Root Canal Reasons

"Why would you need a root canal procedure?"

Many people flinch when their dentists tell them they need root canal therapy.  While dentists are sympathetic to fears of pain, at Artistic Smiles Cosmetic and Family Dentistry we also want you to know that root canal therapy has three purposes: Stop the toothache, Prevent bacteria and pain from spreading into the jaw, and Maintain the original tooth instead of replacing it with a denture or bridge.

The root canal is actually a channel that runs from the root of the tooth, which connects to the bone, up to the top surface of the tooth. The canal contains blood vessels, nerves, and the complex cells that make up the living tissue inside the tooth. This lifeline inside the tooth is called the pulp.When a tooth is decayed or cracked, bacteria can get to the pulp.  The acid from the bacteria irritates the pulp and it becomes inflamed; it's the same process you watch when other parts of your body become infected. When the pulp tissue becomes inflamed, it's harder for blood to flow to the tissue, and the resulting pressure is what creates pain inside your tooth.

Click here for more information about our cosmetic dental services