Having a toothache is one of the most irritating experiences in life. Unfortunately, teeth can crack or break as a result of minor accidents, and no matter how carefully or frequently we brush them, they can still become infected. In addition to causing pain, an infected tooth is sensitive to heat and cold and can result in gum abscesses, among other problems. When you are dealing with tooth decay or a cracked or broken tooth, it is time to learn more about root canal therapy.
Root canals: what are they?
A root canal is a procedure in which an endodontist removes the infected soft tissue from inside a tooth. Your dentist cleans the tooth root and fills it with a special material to support a porcelain dental crown that restores the tooth’s aesthetics and functionality. There are some people who fear root canals, but these key facts might surprise you:
- There is no pain associated with root canals.
That’s right, you read it correctly. People often believe that root canals cause pain, but this is not true. Infections themselves are painful, but most people associate pain with their treatment. The pain goes away when our 40207 endodontist removes the infected tissue.
- The absence of pain or the presence of pain should not be misconstrued.
It takes time for the pain to go away. As a matter of fact, it becomes more severe the more you attempt to avoid or ignore it. Nevertheless, even if the pain goes away, it does not mean that the infection has been eliminated. Because tooth pulp is packed with nerves, it is painful. Usually, when you feel relief from the pain, the nerves have died, but the infection can still spread further into the jaw bone, causing further damage.
- The extraction of teeth is not a better option than root canals.
You may consider having your infected tooth extracted if you are experiencing pain. After extraction, there is an even greater risk of infection. Removing a tooth can create a breeding ground for bacteria that could spread to healthy teeth quickly. Additionally, a missing tooth damages the neighboring teeth because they lack physical support and may become weak or shift in the mouth, causing overcrowding, overlapping, and misalignment.
- There should be no pain associated with root canal surgery.
It is often assumed that pain and treatment go hand in hand. The purpose of root canal surgery is to relieve pain, not to cause more. The tooth and affected area will be numbed with a local anesthetic prior to the procedure. It should feel similar to the process of filling a cavity.
In the event that you are experiencing a toothache or infection and need endodontic treatment, please contact our Louisville, KY endodontics office for an appointment. With our help, you can regain your oral health and the aesthetic and functional appearance of your teeth.