Once you've experienced a toothache so severe you can't even sleep you may change your mind regarding the old phrase about how much one would rather have a root canal. Root canals get a bad rap in popular media, but you are unlikely to experience much actual discomfort thanks to sedation. The best part, however, besides possibly saving your tooth altogether, a root canal will likely eliminate the pain you've been feeling. Look no further than your Aurora, CO, dentist, for more information about root canals, if you would like to learn more, contact Dr. Raed Ammari of Ammari Dental.
Anatomy of Decay
It's worth it to understand the anatomy of your tooth to really understand how a root canal works.
At your dentist's office, you've likely seen an illustration of a full tooth and noticed there's a lot more going on beneath the gum line. This is what we refer to as the root, and it's the part of the tooth that extends into the bone and supports it, holding it firmly in place.
Inside the root, there are canals, root canals, which connect the tooth's soft inner tissue to the rest of your body. This soft center, known as the pulp of the tooth, is protected by two layers, dentin, which makes up the majority of the tooth's structure, and the very hard outer shell, enamel.
Enamel is the hardest substance in your entire body but the acids produced by bacteria that cling to our teeth can damage it, even breach it. It's how cavities happen, and if unattended they can expand become very deep and damaging to the center of your tooth, thus causing that very familiar pain.
A root canal procedure removes the infected areas of your tooth and the pulp and the soft tissue through the root canals. This halts the infection and the pain and also allows you to keep your tooth, although it will require a crown to protect it after the treatment.
Root Canal in Aurora, CO
Prevention can certainly prove to be the most effective means to avoiding tooth pain in the first place, but it isn't always possible to do so, in those cases a root canal can provide relief, especially in those where the health of the tooth itself is threatened. If you're worried you need a root canal or wish to avoid having one, don't forget to schedule a visit. Make an appointment today with Dr. Ammari of Ammari Dental in Aurora, CO, by dialing (303) 283-8009.
