Contrary to popular belief, the is meant to relieve, not cause, pain for patients. Root canals are generally performed by our Cadillac dentists when the soft inner part of a tooth called the pulp is injured or infected. This form of restorative dental treatment is designed to save teeth and avoid extraction when possible.
What Is a Root Canal?
The best way to describe a root canal is to say it’s the removal of a tooth’s pulp, or alive inner portion. Normally, the pulp helps the tooth to grow with its collection of nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. Unintended damage or infection can occur, however.
Our dentists do administer local anesthesia before moving forward with the root canal procedure. That way you experience no pain or discomfort as we work to preserve the structure of your tooth. The good news with root canals is that if the issue is caught prior to the damage reaching down too deep, our dentists don’t have to resort to tooth extraction.
Top Reasons For the Root Canal Procedure
A tooth’s pulp can become injured, inflamed, or infected due to a variety of factors. Common symptoms you may notice happening because of the damaged pulp include tooth pain, swelling, or a “hot” feeling in your gums. Our dentists can examine the tooth in question and even take X-rays to further investigate the damage.
A root canal may be needed if the pulp is negatively affected by:
- Deep tooth decay caused by an ignored cavity
- Multiple dental procedures that have been performed on the tooth
- A crack or chip in the tooth
- An injury that’s happened to the tooth
Improve the Health of Your Smile
It might sound intimidating, but a root canal is nothing to fear. Our dentists in Cadillac, MI, have years of experience performing root canals and can make sure you feel little to no discomfort. Request an appointment today by calling LifeSmiles Dentistry at (231) 775-8281.
