Are you concerned about a tooth but don't know if a root canal is the right treatment for you? Our El Paso, TX, dentist, Dr. Steve Yi of El 
Paso Viva Dental, explains how you can benefit from a root canal.
Why are root canals performed?
Root canal therapy is used to treat pain caused by an inflammation or infection in the center of your tooth by removing the pulp. Pulp is located under the harder enamel and dentin layers of your tooth and is composed of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Although tooth pulp plays an important role during the formation of your teeth, it isn't vital to a tooth's functioning. In fact, after a root canal, your tooth will look and feel the same. You can continue to eat normally, and no one will ever be able to tell that you had a root canal.
What happens during a root canal?
Many of the steps in the root canal process are very similar to those used to treat cavities. After you receive a local anesthetic to numb your mouth, the tooth is opened, and the pulp is removed. Following removal of the pulp, the tooth is thoroughly cleaned. Tiny files are then used to clean and shape the root canals that travel from the tip of your tooth to the roots. In most cases, you'll receive a temporary filling at the end of your first appointment, a step that ensures that any traces of infection will have time to drain.
In a week or two, you'll return to our El Paso office for a permanent filling. In most cases, you'll also need a crown to strengthen your treated tooth.
How do root canals treat pain?
Removing the pulp eliminates the source of your pain. Although some patients are worried that root canal therapy will be painful, keeping you comfortable throughout the procedure is a priority. Treated teeth can be a little sensitive for a week or two after treatment, but mild pain or sensitivity will soon go away.
Protect and preserve an inflamed or infected tooth with root canal therapy. Call our El Paso, TX, dentist, Dr. Yi of El Paso Viva Dental, at (915) 751-1007 to schedule an appointment.
