What Are Root Canals?

Continue reading to learn more about what root canals are, and how you can benefit from them.

Why Do I Need A Root Canal?

If you’ve been told that you need a root canal, you may be wondering what it is, and why you need it. 

It’s likely that your dentist informed you that the root canal will be done in order to restore a damaged or decayed tooth. If you’re like most people, you’re probably wondering why the tooth can’t be restored with a simple filling. Good question; understanding how a root canal differs from a filling is one of the first steps for completely understanding the treatment you need.

Inside each tooth is a central canal that contains the nerve along with the blood vessels of the tooth. When decay or damage is extensive, it often gets close to or penetrates the canal and then causes sensitivity and pain. In most cases, the nerve becomes infected. This can prove to be extremely dangerous if it is not cared for properly. 

In order to properly care for the infection and repair the damage or decay in the tooth, your dentist will have to conduct a root canal(endodontic therapy). 

How Is A Root Canal(Endodontic  Completed?

To begin the procedure, your dentist will numb the area with local anesthetic. Once the area has become completely numb, your dentist will enter the tooth and remove all decayed or damaged tooth matter. 

The nerve will then be removed from the central canal, and the canal will be filled and sealed with a synthetic material. The tooth will then be filled and sealed, and the dentist will take an x-ray to ensure that the canal has been successfully completely filled and sealed. 

After your endodontic therapy, you will then be asked to return to have a crown preparation done; the crown will then protect the tooth from fracture.  Since the nerve along with the blood vessel was removed, there are no nutrients getting to the tooth.  This will lead to the tooth getting brittle and therefore fracturing.  The crown protects this from happening, thus allowing you to keep your tooth. 

While root canals received a bit of a negative image due to television and movies, you can rest assured that root canal treatment is extremely simple, safe, and comfortable. In fact, in most cases, the only discomfort you will have is the initial numbing process and perhaps a bit of soreness in the days immediately following the procedure.

Root Canals in San Jose, CA

EZ Dental is here to provide you with top-tier dental care in San Jose, California. With the information you learned here, your root canal treatment will be less of an intimidating mystery. You will now be able to approach your treatment with confidence, which will make the experience all the more enjoyable. 

We are always here to help. For more information about root canals in San Jose, or to get scheduled for an appointment in our San Jose dental office, give us a call anytime at (408) 227-6000.