It's understandable you'd be concerned about the possibility of having a root canal procedure. Over the years, root canal procedures have gotten a bad rap, but root canal treatment has actually come a long way.

Root canal technology has enabled dentists to perform the procedure virtually pain-free -- and once the root canal procedure is complete, you'll most likely be free of pain as well!

A root canal procedure is needed when a dental infection, or dental cavities, reaches the pulp chamber of the tooth. The infection destroys the nerves located within the root of the tooth, eventually causing the tooth to die.

Years ago, the only option for this type of dental problem was a tooth extraction. Now, thanks to dental technology, you can keep your tooth even after suffering a major infection!

If you're in need of root canal therapy, you may be having trouble eating or sleeping. A toothache or sensitivity to hot or cold is common for those with infected pulp, and you may even have swelling or tenderness in the gums. Your discomfort is a sign you need to see a dentist -- and fast! Root canal pain is often a trigger you need treatment in order to save the tooth.

Of course, if you do have any kind of tooth discomfort, it's important not to self-diagnose. Only a dentist can properly diagnose root canal pain and provide the appropriate treatments. If the root canal procedure is complicated, your dentist may refer you to an endodontist, or root canal specialist, to clear up the infection.

Luckily, you don't need the nerve in order for a tooth to survive -- the nerve's purpose in a grown tooth is to provide nutrients and send signals to the brain, letting you know there's a problem. Now that you know your tooth needs help, your root canal dentist can take the appropriate measures to fix it.

Your root canal dentist will drill through the tooth's crown and remove the pulp and nerves located within the root, and local anesthesia will keep you from feeling pain. Like dental fillings, the area is cleaned and the root is filled to keep the infection from returning. You dentist will then cap the tooth to further protect it. You may experience some sensitivity for a few days as the tooth heals, but the relief you'll feel in the long run will make the treatment well worth it!

If you have root canal symptoms, now's the time to act on it! The goal is to save your tooth rather than extract it, and with good reason: Missing teeth can cause bite problems, shifting teeth and jawbone loss. On the other hand, root canal therapy is 95% effective, and a successful root canal procedure may help you keep your tooth for a lifetime and prevent other dental problems.

There's nothing to be scared of when it comes to root canal treatment. Getting your dental problems taken care of not only gets you out of pain, but can improve your oral health. Many people have had root canal therapy over the years, and they're happy to find relief.

Remember, your dentist wants to save your tooth just as much as you do! And the sooner you have a root canal treatment, the better off you'll be. So join the ranks of those who want a better quality of life by keeping their teeth -- see a dentist if you think you need a root canal or any other dental treatment as soon as you can.