Reasons for a Root Canal

That nagging pain in your tooth isn't going away on its own. You can neglect it only for so long before it becomes unbearable and you risk losing your tooth. So before things get any worse, get in contact with Dr. Krystal DeClerck of DeClerck Family Dental in Findlay, OH, for an evaluation.

Why Does It Hurt So Much?

A healthy tooth is encased by a hard layer of enamel. Beneath this, yet another protective layer called dentin surrounds the dental pulp. Which contains nerves and blood vessels which connect through the root to your jaw.

This soft tissue is the source of the pain you feel. It becomes inflamed or infected when its protective layers are damaged.

Trauma can expose the dental pulp, when the tooth is chipped or cracked, even if the crack is not visible. Deep tooth decay is another common culprit. So it's important to report injuries of concern and to maintain good oral health and regular checkups with your Findlay dentist.

Why a Root Canal?

Once your dental pulp has lost its protection and becomes infected, only a root canal can save your tooth.

If it is too damaged, it must be removed. The cost of replacing it is often greater than to restore it with a root canal.

How Is It Performed?

The term root canal has become synonymous with discomfort. But the modern treatment in the hands of a professional dentist is relatively painless and can be performed in one or two visits.

Your infected tooth, and those surrounding it, are first numbed. Then, employing small instruments your dentist exposes and removes the dental pulp from your tooth. This includes the pulp's pathways, or canals, that connect to the jaw through the root.

Once properly disinfected, your dentist will close the access with a temporary filling until your permanent crown is ready.

After a Root Canal

Immediately after the procedure, some discomfort is normal, so follow your dentist's advice. But in time, the pain you felt before the root canal should be gone, and with the new crown in place, you can expect your tooth to return to normal function. Call Dr. Krystal DeClerck in Findlay, OH, at (419) 422-8972 to find out if you're a candidate for this treatment.