Root canals summon some of the scariest images that popular media has concocted about the dentist's office. But like with most things, popular media does tend to exaggerate. When teeth have endured heavy damage either from decay or injury they tend to become extremely painful and often also infected. Before root canals were really an option, extractions were the only way to deal with these complications. Root canals can halt the spread of infection, can stop the pain, and can often save your damaged tooth. Learn more by contacting your Galloway, NJ, dentists from Seaview Dental Arts, Dr. Bhavin Patel, and Dr. Kevin Carey.

A Tooth's Anatomy

To understand how a root canal works it's important to know a little bit about the anatomy of a tooth. Beneath the gum line our teeth are held in place by roots, they make up a large portion of the tooth. Through these roots, there are very small canals through which the center of your tooth connects to the rest of your body. This center is called the pulp of the tooth, and it is made of soft tissue. So it is protected by two layers, dentin, and enamel. Enamel is what encases the whole tooth and provides most of its protection. You will often hear of enamel as being the hardest substance in your whole body, but it can be damaged. Trauma can crack it and bacteria produce acids that can harm it. Once it is breached is when trouble usually begins.

Root Canal Treatment in Galloway, NJ

Once a tooth has become heavily damaged, especially by decay, the process does not take backward steps. Decay expands and a damaged tooth is exposed to further damage. Infection often sets in during this process and it can be extremely painful as it reaches the pulp of your tooth, which is packed with nerves. So a root canal procedure removes all the infected tissue, along with the soft center and its connections through the canals through your roots. The procedure will often eliminate pain and infection almost instantly, but because it has lost structure it will need protection going forward. This is typically achieved by employing a dental crown.

As a result, besides pain relief, is a tooth that looks just like any natural tooth, and one that did not have to be extracted, or could potentially be lost on its own without treatment.

So if you are dealing with tooth pain, an already damaged tooth, or even if you would like to prevent any of these scenarios, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Patel and Dr. Carey of Seaview Dental Arts in Galloway, NJ, by dialing (609) 652-9020.