To many people, a root canal is one of the scariest dental treatments to be subjected to, and this fear may be justifiable. The procedure involves sharp objects making contact with a part of your mouth that is already in a lot of pain, so many patients are understandably apprehensive. But a root canal is an effective treatment to save a damaged or infected tooth, and it isn’t as painful as it seems since the purpose is to relieve you of pain.

When Do You Need A Root Canal?

According to William B. Collier Jr. DMD, Enterprise, AK’s premier dentist, a tooth has many layers. The hard, outermost part that we see is called the enamel. Beneath the enamel is a softer layer called the dentin, and the space inside the tooth is called the pulp chamber. The pulp chamber contains the blood vessels, nerves, and tissues, keeping the tooth alive.

A root canal is needed when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to tooth decay, cracks, chips, or even gum disease. The inflammation may cause swelling and pressure inside the tooth and can become very painful. If not treated, it will irreversibly damage the tooth.

What Happens During A Root Canal?

First, a local anesthesia is administered to numb the nerves and the area surrounding the tooth. A dental dam is used to isolate the affected tooth by shielding it from contamination from saliva and other parts of the mouth. The dentist will then drill a hole through the surface of your tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canal.

The diseased or dead pulp tissues will then be removed, and the pulp chamber will be cleaned. Once the pulp is removed, the tooth can no longer feel pain. The canals are disinfected, and the tooth is filled with either temporary or permanent fillings. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain and need a root canal or other dental treatments, get in touch with Dr. Collier and his team of professionals. Visit them online, or call (334) 347-5026 to set up an appointment today.