Root Canal Newport Coast - Why Would I Need A Root Canal Procedure?

Although most people have heard of root canals, many do not understand the actual process and reasons for needing one.

A root canal is a dental procedure to save a natural tooth from being extracted. The process involves the dentist drilling into the tooth, removing the dental pulp and nerves of the tooth from the inside, disinfecting the canals, and then applying a filling into the emptied space of the tooth. Many dentists will then crown the tooth for additional strength, as the tooth may weaken and be more prone to breakage after a root canal. While this process sounds painful, it is done with local anesthetic to ensure the patient’s comfort. The pain actually comes from the infected tooth; the root canal procedure relieves it!

Why would someone need a root canal? Root canals are typically done when there is damage to the tooth's dental pulp (such as from trauma), or if the nerves are affected by an abscess or other issue. Nerves within the tooth are naturally sensitive, designed to perceive temperature and bite pressure. They’ll cause pain when there is tooth decay or a severe abscess pushing against the nerves. This is the ache that typically brings a patient into the dentist for an evaluation, and can lead to the root canal procedure.

Root canals are done in lieu of removing a natural tooth, and are intended to save the tooth by eliminating the nerves from inside that are the source of the hurting and discomfort that the individual is experiencing. If it must be extracted, the patient then has to decide on a restoration substitution such as a dental implant, bridge, or denture in order to replace the missing tooth.

If you are experiencing dental pain and think you may need root canal treatment, Dr. Andrew Spath in Newport Beach can help. Call his office today to schedule a consultation appointment and examination to determine if you are in need of root canal therapy. The sooner the problem is diagnosed, the sooner you can be on your way, pain free!



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