What Is A Root Canal & When It’s Needed

added on: November 22, 2011

Have you ever heard the phrase, “I’d rather have a root canal than …”?

Perhaps root canals of yesteryear were dreadful procedures deserving of this reputation. However, most modern root canals are no more involved than having a typical filling. They are performed in less time than procedures of the past and your comfort is at an optimal level throughout.

Root canals are important since they can save your tooth. They are performed to remove dead nerve tissues and bacteria from the tooth’s interior. They are needed when infection is attacking its nerve root system, which is typically accompanied by pain and swelling in the area. This infection can result from a crack in the tooth, a cavity or an injury.

We begin by thoroughly numbing the affected tooth. When you assure us that you are fully comfortable, we  remove a small part of the top of the tooth to reach the pulp. The tooth’s pulp is made up of nerves, blood vessels and tissue, all of which connect to the jaw bone. Pulp supplies blood to a tooth and enables you to feel sensations such as hot coffee or cold ice-cream.

The infected pulp is removed and the canals inside the tooth are cleaned. The repaired tooth is then sealed and a permanent crown is placed to cover and protect the tooth.

Saving a tooth and keeping it in its natural position is important. Each tooth has a necessary role in your mouth. Losing one has a domino affect when it comes to the vulnerability of other teeth in your mouth. Should you ever need one, you’ll find that today’s root canals are performed quickly and comfortably.


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Dr. Ban R. Barbat

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