Root Canal Therapy – A Way to Save Your Teeth
We believe in doing everything we can to help our patients save their natural teeth. Preserving the root of the tooth is extremely important to your oral health. Not only does a healthy tooth root support the tooth structure, but it also keeps the jawbone healthy and the structure of the face intact. For teeth that have experienced severe decay or trauma, one way we can save the teeth is with the use of root canal therapy. Unfortunately, over the years, thanks in part to many movies and television shows, root canal treatment has been continuously described as a scary or painful procedure. The reality is that a root canal is anything but painful or scary. In fact, a root canal is often used to alleviate the pain that can be associated with an infection in the tooth.
What is a Root Canal?
The outer covering of the teeth that is visible when we open our mouth is known as the enamel. The innermost layer of the tooth is known as the pulp. When decay on the enamel is not treated in a timely fashion, it can make its way through the teeth until the pulp becomes infected. A root canal is the process of removing infected nerve tissue and pulp from the inside of the tooth. The root is then cleaned, disinfected, filled, and sealed. There are many signs that might indicate the decay is too severe and you may need a root canal:
- Severe discomfort while chewing
- Chipped or cracked tooth
- Swollen or tender gums
- Lingering sensitivity to cold and hot
- Discomfort in teeth with fillings or dental crowns
Please don’t postpone treatment for a tooth that is causing you discomfort. If an infected tooth is left untreated, it will not heal on its own and will cause more damage to your jaw and body over time. If you have not visited our office located in Watsonville, CA recently or you are feeling any tooth discomfort, please call us today to schedule your next appointment. We want to help save your teeth!