May is Root Canal Awareness Month
More than 15 million root canals are performed every year
Root Canal Awareness Month is celebrated every May, and it aims to educate people about the importance of root canal treatment in saving damaged teeth. Root canal treatment is a common dental procedure that can help save a tooth that is damaged or infected, preventing the need for extraction and potentially saving the patient from further dental problems.
Root Canal Information
When the pulp of a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, it can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. This is because the pulp contains nerves and blood vessels that are highly sensitive. An infection or inflammation in the pulp can occur due to deep decay, cracks in the tooth, trauma, or repeated dental procedures.
Root canal treatment involves removing the infected or inflamed pulp and cleaning out the inside of the tooth. Once the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, a filling material is placed to seal the tooth and prevent further infection. In some cases, a crown may be placed over the tooth to provide additional protection and support.
Root canal treatment has many benefits, including:
Saving the natural tooth:
Root canal treatment can help save a damaged or infected tooth, which would otherwise need to be extracted. Saving the natural tooth is important because it helps maintain the structure of the mouth and prevent other dental problems.
Preventing infection:
Root canal treatment can help prevent the spread of infection to other parts of the body. This is because an infected tooth can harbor bacteria that can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream.
Relieving pain and discomfort:
Root canal treatment can help relieve the pain and discomfort caused by an infected or inflamed pulp. This can improve the patient’s quality of life and prevent further dental problems.
Cost-effective:
Root canal treatment is generally more cost-effective than other dental procedures, such as tooth extraction and replacement with dental implants or bridges.
Why Root Canal Treatment Is Needed
Video courtesy of Spear Education