Root Canals

Root Canals in San Diego 

At First Impressions Dental, we understand that no one wants to hear they need a root canal. We also know that the unknown can be scary, so we’re here to help explain what a root canal is and why you might need one. We hope this article will help put your mind at ease and explain what you can expect if you need a root canal procedure.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure that is performed when the pulp or nerve of the tooth becomes infected. The pulp is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. The infection can be caused by bacteria that enter the tooth through a crack or chip, or it can be the result of tooth decay.

Why Do I Need a Root Canal?

If the pulp of your tooth becomes infected, it can cause severe pain. The infection can also spread to other parts of your body if it’s not treated promptly. A root canal procedure removes the infected pulp and nerve from the tooth so that the infection does not spread.
Consequences of Not Getting a Root Canal
If you don’t get a root canal when you need one, you may experience any of the following:

• Severe pain
• Swelling
• An abscess (a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of the tooth)
• Tooth loss
• Infection

Root Canal vs Extracting Your Tooth

If you’re facing a choice between getting a root canal or having your tooth extracted, we recommend getting a root canal whenever possible. It’s always best to save your natural teeth if possible because they perform essential functions like biting and chewing food, and they also play an important role in keeping your jawbone healthy and strong.

Consequences of Not Getting a Root Canal

If you have an infected tooth and do not get a root canal, the infection can spread through your bloodstream and cause serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

We hope this article has helped answer some of your questions about root canals in San Diego. If you think you might need a root canal or if you have any other questions about our dental services, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!