Minimize Excessive Wear and Damage in Your Teeth with a Root Canal

As the name implies, a root canal involves the removal of the nerves and pulp within a tooth in an effort to preserve it. While teeth are naturally designed to be fairly durable, there are times when nerve tissue needs to be removed if excessive wear has occurred to eliminate pain and improve quality of life.

Causes of Excessive Wear and Tear

Nerve tissue, or pulp, within a tooth is normally protected by several layers of enamel. If the pulp breaks down, bacteria and other debris can result in an infected, or abscessed, tooth. Excessive wear and nerve exposure may be caused by sudden trauma, improper bites, or insufficient dental hygiene

How a Root Canal is Performed

Since nerve material isn’t essential to the health of a tooth, exposed or infected pulp can be safely removed without negatively affecting the tooth itself. A review of your medical history and current medications will be done first to ensure an appropriate oral sedative is used. The procedure itself involves draining any pus-filled areas, the removal of the infected or exposed pulp, cleaning and enlarging the canal for filling, and, finally, sealing the tooth.

Benefits of a Root Canal

Root canals are done in an effort to save teeth and prevent extraction, which is a last resort. It’s also a way to protect nearby teeth and prevent infection from spreading. If left untreated, nerve infections of one or more teeth may lead to bone loss around the affected root. It may also be the cause of swelling around the face, neck, or head. Worse, the infection may even seep through the skin and go through the bloodstream.

Taking steps to protect your teeth with regular trips to your dentist for checkups often minimizes the need for urgent treatment. If you have reached a point where there is significant nerve exposure, getting a root canal sooner rather than later can keep your teeth safe and healthy and provide much-appreciated pain relief.

Sources:
An Overview of Root Canals webmd.com
Illustrations: Root Canal Treatment From Start To Finish colgate.com