Root canals can be an intimidating experience when you’re sitting in the dentist’s chair. Luckily for patients in Anchorage, Alaska, there’s Four Corners Dental Group. The experienced dental professionals at Four Corners Dental Group take compassionate, affordable dental care and friendly customer service seriously. Here are the basics of getting a root canal:

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a treatment used to save a tooth that is badly decayed or that has become infected. The procedure is all about cleaning and sealing your natural tooth so it can heal and become healthy again. To do that, a dentist will need to remove pulp and damaged nerves to avoid infections or abscesses.

Why get one?

When the nerve tissue or pulp in your tooth is damaged, it starts to break down, allowing bacteria to multiply within the pulp chamber. These bacteria cause swelling, infections and pus-filled pockets known as abscesses. The swelling could spread to other areas of your face and could result in bone loss around the tip of the tooth root. This damage can also create a hole in your tooth that causes drainage into your gums if left untreated.

What’s the procedure like?

The first step in the procedure will be taking an X-Ray to see if there are signs of infection. Next, your dentist will likely apply a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t experience much discomfort. From there, a rubber dam will be placed around the tooth to keep the area dry from saliva. A small access hole will be drilled into the tooth so that pulp, decayed nerve tissue, and bacteria can be removed. Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it is sealed. Depending on your dentist and your condition, the tooth may be sealed at a later date.

If you live near Anchorage and you’re looking for an expert dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry and dental implants, call Four Corners Dental Group today at (907) 258-3384 to schedule your next appointment. Visit their website for additional information on their practice and services.