Why do you need a root canal? For most people it is because a tooth has been damaged by decay or accident.

Root canal therapy works to heal the inside structure of the tooth which has been damaged and infected. The pulp inside your tooth is made up of of arteries, veins, nerves and lymphatic vessels. This  is what gives nourishment to the tooth which keeps it strong and healthy. The pulp of your tooth is also the part that feels the difference between hot and cold and it is the part that lets you know when something is wrong.

Problems with the pulp can start with bacterial infections caused by tooth decay or trauma. The tissue in the tooth begins to break down and die and you begin to feel pain. At this point you can either remove the tooth and replace it with an implant.

Most of the time we try to be conservative and keep the tooth.  To cure the infection we clean out the pulp and replace it with a biocompatible sealer to fill the space — a root canal. Modern anesthetics ensure that you don’t feel discomfort during the procedure and digital x-rays allow us to instantly see how treatment is progressing.

Many people feel anxiety about dental visits. This tends to increase for root canal visits because people have heard horror stories from many years ago. Don’t worry, if you feel extremely nervous about your needed root canal please let us know. Sedation dentistry offers you options for receiving this needed care without fear or anxiety.

Please contact StoneRidge Dental Care in the Columbus, OH area today at 614-476-6696 to schedule your next appointment.