Why Do I Need a Root Canal?

“Root canal.”

While those two words still cause shivers to run up many a patient’s spine, at Lakeshore Family Dentistry, we know that root canals today aren’t nearly as invasive or complex as they were even ten years ago. No, they aren’t pleasant – and yes, we would like to avoid them at all costs – but if a root canal must be done, we make sure it’s done with the least amount of fuss and muss as possible.

Before we get into how we treat root canals though, I’ll briefly explain what a root canal is. While most people know they don’t want one done, many don’t know what the procedure actually involves. A root canal is simply the removal of pulp from the center of a dead or severely damaged tooth. Once the dead pulp is removed, the pulp cavity is filled. Doing this prevents the development of infection, which can spread to other teeth.

Here’s how it’s done:

·     We’ll put you on some sort of anesthetic so you won’t feel a thing

·     We’ll separate your decayed tooth from your other teeth with a small sheet of rubber or a metal frame

·     We’ll remove the dead pulp and fill the cavity by going below the gum line. We’ll use medicines and temporary fillings before the final root canal filling can be put in

·     If a crown is needed, we’ll place a crown.

A root canal isn’t the most pleasant experience, but it’s necessary, and afterwards you’ll feel a million times better. If that wasn’t the case, we would never perform the procedure in the first place.

To see why root canals need to be done, visit http://www.lakeshorefamilydentist.com/library/79/RootCanalTherapy.html