Root canal treatment is a procedure that treats infections in the tooth. It involves removing the infected pulp from the root canal and cleaning it out. This helps eliminate bacteria or other harmful material inside and prevent further damage. The root canal is then sealed off, and a crown is placed over the treated tooth.
Root canal treatment can help restore a tooth to its full health while also helping to alleviate any pain and discomfort you may have been feeling. Although it may seem like a scary procedure, the truth is that it is relatively painless, and the result is usually a better-functioning tooth. Here are some interesting tidbits to know about this interesting procedure:
Every Tooth Has Its Root (Canal)
Root canals are small passageways inside the teeth’ roots, so remember that every tooth has a root beneath it, which is embedded in the jawbone and provides strong and reliable support. Inside the tooth is a pulp chamber that houses dentin, nerves, tissue, and blood vessels. These chambers connect to the root and form the root canals.
Most teeth have at least one root canal, though the molars at the back of the mouth have four root canals. These canals contain the nerves and blood vessels that provide nourishment and sensation to the tooth.
It’s Not a Painful Procedure
Root canal treatment is sometimes thought of as being painful, but the truth is that modern dentistry techniques make it a comfortable experience. You’ll be numbed with local anesthesia so that you won’t feel any pain around the area. It’s more painful to leave an infected root canal untreated than it is to get it treated.
It Goes Way Back—around 400 Years or More
People have been performing root canal treatments for thousands of years. Even though the exact procedure wasn’t developed until the 1800s, it was clear to the ancient Romans that infected teeth needed to be drained. They didn’t know dental pulp, which wasn’t discovered until the 1700s, but they still found ways to treat the problem.
Since Edward Maynard’s invention of a watch-spring to clean out a root canal, the process has improved over time. A few years later, gutta-percha, a naturally-occurring latex, was used to fill the tooth after a root canal had been completed. In 1900, dentists started using X-rays which allowed them to get a better view of the root canal and determine what needed to be removed. Dentists have been honing their practice for many years, and now, with cutting-edge technology, teeth cleaning is even simpler than ever before.
Untreated Infections Lead to Serious Problems
If the protective layers of your tooth’s crown are damaged, bacteria can enter through the small holes. These bacteria can then go down to the root canal and cause an infection. If this isn’t addressed in time, it will cause a lot of pain and can result in tooth loss. An extraction may be the only option if the damage is too severe.
In Closing
If you’re concerned about needing to go to the dentist numerous times for your root canal, don’t be. Typically, the whole process can be managed in one visit. At some point, your dentist may need to return to your tooth to put a crown to safeguard it from future harm and decay, but there’s no need to worry—it’s part of the process.
Book Now at Family Dental of Westborough
Schedule your root canal at Westborough, MA, with the Family Dental clinic! We provide pain relief and protection from further damage, so call us today at (508) 366-7450 to know more.
