Did you know that there are 15 million root canals that are performed every year in the United States?
If you’ve recently been told that you need to receive a root canal and have been provided with instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, you likely have a lot of questions. For example, you may be wondering “what is a root canal?”
We’re here to break down what exactly this type of oral surgery is and why it’s considered surgery. Keep reading to learn more!
What Is A Root Canal?
According to the American Association of Endodontists, a root canal is a type of treatment that works to eliminate all of the bacteria found in an infected root canal. By removing the bacteria, a root canal works to stop your tooth from getting re-infected and will quickly work to save your natural tooth.
If you’ve been suffering from pain in your teeth, significant temperature sensitivity, being unable to bite down, and irritation in your gums, you should see a dentist. These are all signs you could be suffering from an infection and may need a root canal.
During the process of a root canal, the pulp of your tooth that’s infected is completely removed. Then, the inside of your tooth is cleaned and later gets disinfected. After this part of the process is completed, your tooth will be re-filled and sealed back up.
Why Is It Considered Surgery?
Some types of root canal is considered surgery. Non-surgical root canal therapy goes deep into your tooth to clean the pulp. After your tooth insides have been completely cleaned, the hole in your tooth is filled and fixed up.
Yet, with a surgical root canal, things go a bit better. Typically, with this type of operation, the infection in the tooth is very severe. So, there’s an incision made inside of the gum to safely remove all of the infected tissue.
Why Get a Root Canal?
A root canal is a great treatment to get if you’re looking to have a tooth preserved, instead of getting it removed. Finding a way to replace your removed tooth can be challenging and upsetting, especially if you don’t already feel confident about your smile.
Getting a root canal done will preserve your tooth and stop the infection from getting any worse. This is a common dental procedure and shouldn’t be feared. Instead, look at a root canal treatment as a way that can relieve your pain and help you to keep your mouth healthy!
Understanding Your Root Canal
By getting the answer to the question, “what is a root canal?” and why some types of root canals are considered surgery, you can better prepare yourself. A lot of people fear root canals but once you learn what the entire process involves, they become a lot less intimidating.
Are you interested in learning about our root canal therapy services? We’re here to help you! Click here to contact us today to learn more.