{"id":45,"date":"2019-05-31T20:05:41","date_gmt":"2019-05-31T20:05:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shannonstokesdds.com\/blog\/?p=45"},"modified":"2019-05-31T20:06:39","modified_gmt":"2019-05-31T20:06:39","slug":"save-your-tooth-root-canal-plano","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shannonstokesdds.com\/blog\/2019\/05\/31\/save-your-tooth-root-canal-plano\/","title":{"rendered":"Save Your Tooth with a Root Canal in Plano"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"X-ray<\/p>\n

Root canal. The mere mention of the phrase can inspire fear and dread. But did you know that root canals are actually a good thing? Without this procedure, at least 15 million more teeth would be lost each year. The truth is that root canals spare natural teeth from needing to be extracted completely, which every good dentist wants to avoid at all costs. But where did the negative association with root canals come from? Why would you need to have a root canal in Plano? What is the procedure like? And why is it so critical to keep your natural teeth as long as possible? Below, you\u2019ll find out the answers to these important questions to honor National Save Your Tooth Month this May.<\/p>\n

Why do root canals have a bad reputation?<\/h2>\n

When they think of root canals, many people think of pain. That\u2019s because a severe toothache is a common symptom that patients can experience leading up to a root canal. But the root canal procedure itself causes little to no pain at all. In fact, the most painful part of a root canal is the shot that administers the local anesthetic\u2014just like filling a cavity. Other than that, you don\u2019t feel anything!<\/p>\n

Why would I need a root canal?<\/h2>\n

Did you know that your tooth consists of more just hard enamel? In fact, the soft center of your tooth, called the pulp, houses the tooth\u2019s nerves. When decay or damage impacts this innermost layer, it can cause the nerves to send painful signals to your brain. If left untreated, your vulnerable tooth can be exposed to harmful bacteria and infection, potentially spreading to other teeth or your jaw. In extreme cases, an untreated cavity can even lead to death. To prevent all this, a root canal stops the spread of these harmful bacteria, whether you feel pain or not, and allows you to keep the base of your natural tooth.<\/p>\n

What is the process of getting a root canal?<\/h2>\n

Once the problem has been diagnosed and root canal therapy identified as the right treatment for you, the process goes as follows:<\/p>\n