For most people the thought of a root canal completely stresses them out. There are all sorts of horrors stories out there that people tell about themselves or a family member or friend or neighbor who had a root canal performed and it was the most horrible experience of their lives. You may not even understand what a root canal is. If you have a tooth in your mouth which is seriously decayed or infected, then a root canal may be the best option for you.
What a Root Canal Can Do for You
Allowing a tooth that is decayed to remain in your mouth can cause you several issues, including infection, abscesses and pain. What a root canal dentist in Cedar Rapids, IA, does is remove the nerve and the pulp in the tooth and clean it out thoroughly. Before you start to worry you need to know that the root of a tooth is not important to its function. Removing the pulp from the inside of your tooth can save you from infection which can cause bone loss and/or swelling of your face and neck. there are certain things you can look for such as painful chewing, a tooth that is sensitive to cold or heat, and if you have a tooth that is discolored. A root canal can save you from losing a tooth and can repair the look of it.
The Process of a Root Canal
Root canal therapy is performed by either a dentist. The first thing that will happen is that you will require an x-ray to see if you have bone loss or infection in the suspected tooth. A root canal can almost always be performed without great pain simply using a local anesthetic. A hole is drilled in the tooth so that the nerve and the pulp can be safely removed. Once the tooth is completely cleaned out, the hole is filled. The dentists at Kimball and Beecher Family Dentistry are highly skilled in root canal procedures and can generally see you the day you call.
