The dreaded root canal; or so you've heard. Over the years, root canal therapy has earned a reputation for being agonizingly painful. But did you know that a root canal is actually the only way to treat a diseased tooth other than extraction? It's an imperative and commonly performed procedure that saves your tooth and eases the excruciating pain caused by an infection. And with advances in modern dentistry today, a highly qualified dentist in Burnsville can perform a root canal virtually pain free. The more educated you are about root canal therapy and the benefits it offers, the less apprehension you will feel about the procedure in the future. Delaying treatment will only make the infection worse, increasing the amount of dental work needed to repair the tooth. What Exactly is a Root Canal? Located in the center of every tooth is the pulp, which provides nutrients to the nerves of each tooth. Each tooth's nerves run through the center of the root in small root canals which join with the tooth's pulp chamber. When a tooth is infected due to a cavity or fracture, bacteria can enter the canal, causing infection. Pain and sensitivity in the tooth are the most common symptoms. An infected root canal is a serious matter and should be acted on immediately. Left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas of the mouth, and even your face and jaw. You'll need to remove the pulp in order to save your tooth. And that's where root canal therapy comes in to play. Save Your Tooth with Root Canal Therapy Root canal therapy, also called endodontic therapy, is performed by a dentist to repair or save the damaged or dead pulp in the root canal of the tooth, and can usually be completed in one to three visits. The procedure may vary depending on the condition of the tooth and severity of infection. Root canal therapy is necessary because the infected tooth will not heal by itself. The procedure involves removing the diseased tissue from the tooth, and then cleansing and disinfecting the canal and inner chamber. The canal is then filled to prevent re-contamination. If the tooth is still weak and brittle, a crown may be placed over the tooth to strengthen its structure and improve its appearance. The only other alternative is extraction, which can cause neighboring teeth to shift, resulting in a misaligned bite. Root canal therapy is an instant pain reliever and the best dental treatment that saves original teeth. Most patients who receive root canal treatment today experience little or no pain, and enjoy a restored tooth that can last almost as long as its healthy original. Thanks to advances in dental technology, endodontic therapy has become more precise, less invasive, and ultimately, less painful. The key to ensuring a positive patient experience is finding the most qualified dentist to perform your procedure. Is My Tooth Infected? Visit your Burnsville dentist as soon as you detect signs of an infected tooth. Symptoms include: A broken tooth A discolored tooth, with or without pain Sensitivity to cold and heat Swelling around the effected tooth Tenderness to touch and chewing Whether a cavity or a dental trauma has infected your tooth, you'll want to see a dentist in Burnsville right away. Delaying necessary treatment will only make the situation worse. Root canal therapy doesn't have to be scary, and with new and advanced dental technology available today, it doesn't even have to be painful.
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