Have you been told that you're in need of a root canal treatment? Although a root canal is not as painful as some rumors may suggest, they're still something you want to avoid if possible. The dentists at Katz Family Dentistry of Webster, NY, want to show you what a root canal procedure is, what necessitates it, and how to avoid it.

A root canal procedure is used to restore a damaged or infected tooth. During the procedure, your dentist will remove the pulp and the nerve inside of your tooth. The interior of the tooth is then cleaned of all bacteria and sealed up. This is done so that the infection doesn't spread to the outside of the tooth, which could result in abscess formation. The tooth's nerve only serves to provide the sensation of hot and cold, so removing it will not cause any harm to your tooth's basic function.

A tooth's nerve can become irritated or infected from decay caused by poor hygiene, trauma, or extensive dental procedures on the tooth. Some of these causes, like trauma to the tooth, are tougher to prevent, but there are still steps you can take to prevent nerve infection.

Most tooth decay is caused by poor oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing twice a day, in addition to regular visits to your family dentist, are necessary to prevent tooth decay. You can help prevent nerve trauma by wearing a mouthguard when playing sports. 

Thanks to Katz Family Dentistry, you now have a better understanding of what a root canal entails and how you can avoid one. Give Katz Family Dentistry a call at (585) 671-2340 to schedule an appointment and take advantage of their excellent customer service. Visit them online to view their full list of services.