You’ve no doubt heard the term “root canal” and perhaps have even had one. After all, some 40,000 root canal treatments are rendered every day to alleviate tooth pain while at the same time preserving the patient’s precious natural tooth. Some of our patients at Jamaica Dental PC are inquisitive about what we’re up to when we talk about their tooth’s roots and canals, and we always like to keep them informed about what we do!
The root is the portion of each tooth that reaches down below the surface into the bone to make sure the tooth stays anchored in place. The teeth we most often bite with, such as the front incisor and canine teeth, typically have one root canal each. Our chewing teeth such as the back molars can typically have double or even triple the number of root canals.
Each tooth root contains pulp, a soft tissue that contains sensitive nerves and blood vessels that can become inflamed or infected due to decay or an injury. During root canal treatment, our orthodontist removes the painful, infected pulp, cleans out the canal and then safely fills and cleans the space.
The number of canals the infected tooth has will determine the amount of treatment time. But with today’s techniques and anesthesia, our root canal procedures are no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed in a tooth by your dentist.
With a procedure as complex as a root canal, it’s no wonder that most people prefer to have the treatment done by an orthodontist, who has years of additional training beyond standard dental school. Simply put, there’s no one more qualified to treat your pain and save that precious tooth than our endodontic specialist!
If you are experiencing persistent pain, sensitivity to hot and cold foods or beverages, discoloration, or swollen gums, don’t hesitate to contact our endodontist at Jamaica Dental PC. Please contact us today for an appointment!
By Jamaica Dental PC
May 30, 2023