Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Root Canals are essential to oral health care. Some people think they are painful, but that's just a myth. Your Kenosha, WI, dentist Dr. Todd Armstrong uses root canal procedure to actually relieve pain.

What's a root canal?

When a cavity is deep enough to infiltrate the enamel, then the dentin, it reaches the pulp, causing pain. Your Kenosha dentist will need to remove the pulp, clean and disinfect the canal from any bacteria remaining, then seal the canal to prevent bacteria from entering.

A tooth is composed of several layers:

• The outermost layer is enamel. It's the white part of the tooth and also happens to be the strongest part.
• The second layer, under the enamel, it is called dentin. This layer is yellowish and a bit softer.
• The third layer of the tooth is called pulp. It consists of blood vessels and nerves.
• The last layer is the cementum. This part anchors the whole tooth to the jawbone.

Why would I need a root canal?

One of the main reasons people end up needing a root canal is because of poor oral hygiene. If you don't brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once, then you will suffer from plaque and tartar building up.

You also need to do the following to take care of your teeth:

• Avoid sugars. Eating sugary foods and drinks like sugary gum and soda contribute to tooth decay, but healthy foods like apples and carrots help scrape plaque off teeth
• Visit your dentist. Visiting your doctor twice a year will help him evaluate your teeth's health and notify you if there's a problem before it becomes too severe, or too complicated.

If you have any questions or concerns about root canals, don't hesitate to call your Kenosha, WI, dentist Dr. Todd Armstrong. You can also schedule an appointment at this number: (262) 694-7672.