A root canal is probably one of the most misunderstood procedures in all of dentistry. It’s associated with pain, discomfort, and unhealthy teeth. Technically, those are all true, but what people don’t understand is why you’d ever need a root canal, what it does, and how to prevent needing one.
So in an effort to help you become more educated on the topic, we put this post together. We’ll take a look at the different situations in which a root canal is utilized. This should help you determine if you may need one.
What is it?
A root canal is a procedure when a doctor removes infected pulp from inside of your teeth. The pulp is the living bundle of nerves and blood vessels that literally make your teeth live. When that pulp gets infected, it compromises the health of that tooth, and the ones surrounding it.
When do I need it?
The only time that Dr. Damon P. Swenson will recommend a root canal is if there’s no other way to save your tooth. Removing the pulp essentially kills your tooth, which is as serious as it sounds. Often, though, that’s the only viable method to stopping serious infection.
What happens next?
If you end up coming into CrossPointe Dental here in Orem, Utah, for a root canal, then you’ll have a few options as to what you do next. Usually you’ll need a new tooth to replace the one that had a root canal. Sometimes a dental crown or bridge is enough to help restore the tooth. At other times, you may need an implant.
Regardless of what you need, we’re here to help. Give us a call today at 801-224-7337 for more information.