If you are nervous at the thought of having a root canal done, you are not alone. Many people put off having a tooth repaired because they are afraid they might require a root canal. While most people think that a root canal is a painful procedure it actually relieves them of pain! In fact, a root canal can be viewed as similar to receiving a dental filling in many instances.
At Creative Smiles Dental Care, our root canal treatment may help you experience extensive relief in Brockton, Massachusetts, from the following symptoms:
- A tooth that hurts when hot or cold food or drinks touch it and long after
- A persistent toothache that is increasingly painful
- Your tooth hurts when you bite down or chew food
Anatomy of a Tooth
So let’s look at what constitutes a tooth. First, you have a layer of strong tooth enamel. Beneath that lies a material called dentin which is slightly softer. Under the dentin lies your tooth pulp, which consists of nerves, connective tissue and blood vessels used to provide nourishment to a growing tooth.
Now, this is the good news, while a tooth is growing, it needs the pulp to supply blood and nourishment to keep it healthy. Once your permanent teeth have grown in, you no longer require the tooth pulp, as the tooth is nourished by the surrounding tissues. This means that an infected tooth pulp can be safely removed without harming your smile.
Root Canal Procedure
So what can you expect from a root canal procedure? First, your dentist, Dr. Purvesh Malaviya will remove the infected tooth pulp. Then, the area will be cleaned and disinfected to prepare for the placement of gutta-percha. This is a rubberlike material which used to seal and protect the hole left behind after the pulp is cleaned out. Finally, a dental filling material will be placed over the gutta-percha. If the area is too big, or if too much of the tooth requires removal, then a crown may be used instead of a dental filling.
Dr. Purvesh Malaviya and our team at Creative Smiles Dental Care are always ready to help you find relief for any oral conditions you might be experiencing. Please give us a call if you have any questions, or would like to schedule your next visit. Please call 508-588-1400 to restore your healthy smile!
