Root Canal Therapy --It Isn't as Bad as You'd Think

There few words in dentistry that cause more anexiety, fear, and confusion than "root canal". The term "root canal" is actually short for root canal therapy. Let's clear up some mistaken notions and misunderstandings about this important and tooth-saving treatment, and hopefully eliminate some of the fear it causes.

First of all, what is a "root canal"? Every tooth in the mouth has a hollow space deep inside filled with soft material called the pulp. In root canal therapy (RCT), the soft pulp is removed, and this leaves an empty tube-shaped space down inside the tooth. This space is actually the root canal of the tooth. Next, the root canal is disinfected. Finally, the space is filled with a material that seals it off so it won't become infected in the future.

Now, the next question: Why in the world would I need to have this done? There are basically two reasons: #1-to remove infection or, #2-to prevent infection. The pulp we talked about earlier contains nerves. If the pulp becomes infected, there will be swelling, pus, and a lot of pain. If things get to this point you're really only left with two choices: take the nerve out of the tooth, or pull the tooth out of your mouth. There is no filling or pill that will help. If you choose to keep your tooth, RCT will eliminate the infection and pain. If you choose to have the tooth pulled it will be gone forever. Replacing a missing tooth will cost you more than saving what you had so consider this option very carefully. If there is a large cavity or a crack in a tooth it is possible that the nerve could become infected soon, and your dentist may recommend RCT to save your tooth and keep you out of pain.

The technology for RCT has advanced greatly in the past few years. It's now possible to have the RCT completed in one visit of less than an hour in most cases. Your tooth will be numbed and you can be completly comfortable both during and after treatment.

Often after RCT is completed your dentist will need to rebuild your tooth with a dental crown. Root canal therapy can quickly and comfortably allow you to keep your own teeth--and there's nothing frightening about that!


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