Once baby teeth are lost and permanent teeth erupt, those are the teeth that you are left with for the rest of your life. Taking good care of them is incredibly important to provide a healthy and attractive smile, as well as one that is supportive of the jaw bone. The outer shell of the teeth is known as enamel, and it is the hardest substance in the human body. However, the teeth are not invincible. Trauma, decay, and infection can all cause the tooth to become severely damaged. When the health of a tooth is compromised, a root canal procedure is often needed to save the tooth.
Root canals are often one of the most dreaded and avoided dental procedures only because people do not truly understand what they actually are. Root canals are frequently associated with pain – but with the wrong association. An infected or damaged tooth is painful, and a root canal is done to alleviate the pain and restore the health of the tooth. A tooth that is severely damaged must be treated for it to remain inside the mouth. If an infection or damage is allowed to fester for too long, not only will the pain become unbearable, but the tooth will be so severely impaired that it cannot be saved.
A root canal procedure is much simpler than people expect it to be. In fact, it is one of the most common restorative dental procedures done each year throughout the United States. Done under local anesthesia to prevent pain or discomfort, the procedure follows a series of specific steps:
At Riverheart Family Dentistry, our entire dental staff is here to ensure that your oral health care needs are well provided for. We understand that any type of dental work can cause anxiety, and we strive to make you as comfortable as possible. Please do not allow a damaged tooth to linger in your mouth. Significant negative consequences and severe pain will only be the result. Contact our practice today so that we can relieve your pain and restore your dental health.
