What is a root canal?
Root canal therapy in Katy, Texas is an endodontic procedure performed to treat an infected tooth. The outer layer of your tooth, the part you can see, is the enamel. Beneath that, there is a hard layer, called dentin. The inside of the tooth, all the way down to the root, consists of a soft tissue, called the pulp. It contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
If the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, a dentist or endodontist might perform root canal therapy. The procedure involves removing the pulp and filling in the space, so you can use your tooth normally.
Is root canal therapy painful?
Root canal therapy has a reputation for being painful, but this often isn’t the case. While the infection might cause pain, the procedure is generally well-tolerated. Thanks to advancements in dentistry and modern anesthetics, many patients report feeling fine during the procedure and only experience mild pain for a couple of days after.
What are the benefits of a root canal?
Stops the spread of infection
When a tooth is infected, the bacteria could easily spread to the neighboring teeth, if left untreated, causing more pain and putting your health at risk. Root canal therapy removes the bacteria, which prevents infection from spreading.
Prevents tooth loss
Without root canal therapy, the tooth may have to be extracted to resolve the problem. If you want to keep your tooth, and in good shape, root canal therapy might be your best option.
Preserves the jawbone
When a tooth is extracted, it leaves the jawbone exposed to bacteria, which can cause it to degrade fairly quickly. By keeping your tooth intact and functioning, you’re also saving your jawbone from degradation.
If you think you might need Katy, Texas root canal therapy to soothe the pain of your infected tooth, book an appointment today to see if it’s right for you.
