Root canals are a treatment option that helps you to preserve a tooth after it is damaged by severe decay or an injury that leads to infection. Tooth enamel is meant to keep the bacteria that naturally live in your mouth away from the root of your tooth that contains the nerve. Unfortunately, any small cavity or crack can cause bacteria to reach the root and lead to problems such as infection in the pulp and pain. The need for a root canal is typically diagnosed by root canal dentists in West Hollywood by using an x-ray, but you may already suspect the need for one if you have severe pain, swelling or an abscess forming near a tooth. Understanding why a root canal is recommended helps you make the right decision for your oral health.

Benefits of Preserving a Tooth Instead of Pulling It

Once infection occurs in a tooth, your options typically become to either pull the tooth or have it restored with a root canal. Tooth extractions may end the pain, but they lead to other issues. For instance, a missing tooth in your smile zone causes problems such as embarrassment and lower self-esteem. Removing a tooth also leaves a gap that makes it harder to eat and increases the risk of your other teeth shifting out of place. Root canals eliminate these types of concerns by allowing you to keep your original tooth.

How Root Canals Save Your Tooth

The root canal procedure is designed to remove the damaged pulp and nerve tissue from your tooth so that the infection is completely eliminated. The pressure created by an infection in the pulp causes the nerve to send out pain sensations that can be so strong that you cannot sleep at night. Not only does an infected tooth cause pain, but the infection can continue to spread outward into your gums. If left untreated, the infection can break down the tissue and bone that hold your tooth in place. With a root canal, you eliminate the source of the infection so that your tooth is no longer threatened by bacteria.

What to Expect During and After a Root Canal

During a root canal, your West Hollywood dentist cleans out the infected pulp. Depending upon your comfort and oral health needs, you can have this procedure done using a local anesthetic or sedation dentistry. Either way, you should feel little to no pain throughout the entire procedure. Once the pulp is removed, the tooth will then be filled with a temporary material to allow time to heal. Then, you will have a restoration such as a crown placed on the tooth during a different appointment to add further protection.

Like most dental procedures, the purpose of a root canal is to eliminate oral health issues and preserve your tooth. Always feel free to ask questions about any new procedures such as a root canal so that you feel confident as you proceed with the right option to restore your comfort.