What is a Root Canal?

Today is National Root Canal Appreciation Day! While it may not be the most popular dental procedure, root canals are a safe and effective way to save a tooth that is infected or damaged. Root canal therapy has had a bad rap over the years, however dental technology advances, endodontic techniques and dental anesthesia have made root canals virtually painless, helping falsify the root canal "scarys"! In fact, the procedure relieves pain rather than causing it, so our patients feel better after treatment than when they stepped into our office.

A root canal is a procedure in which the infected or damaged pulp of a tooth is removed and the space is filled and sealed. The pulp is the soft tissue that lies inside the tooth and contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes infected, it can cause pain, swelling, and even tooth loss. The procedure is usually done in one or two appointments.

During the first appointment, the dentist will numb the area around the tooth and then make a small hole in the top of the tooth. The dentist will then use special tools to remove the infected pulp. Once the pulp is removed, the dentist will fill and seal the space with a material called gutta-percha. In some cases, the dentist may also need to place a crown on the tooth to protect it from further damage.

Root canals are a safe and effective way to save a tooth that is infected or damaged. If you have any concerns about root canals, be sure to talk to your dentist.

Oxford Dental Offers Root Canals

At Oxford Dental, we offer root canals to our patients. We understand that root canals can be a daunting procedure, but we are here to make sure that you have a comfortable and positive experience. There is a stigma that pain is associated with root canal treatments, but the truth is that the pain comes from the tooth itself before you get it treated. The truth is, removing the infection removes the pain.

Our dentists are highly skilled and experienced in performing root canals. We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure that your procedure is as safe and effective as possible.

We also offer sedation dentistry for patients who are anxious about dental procedures. Sedation dentistry can help you relax and feel more comfortable during your root canal.

If you need a root canal, we encourage you to call Oxford Dental today. We would be happy to answer any questions you have and schedule an appointment for you!