If a toothache is keeping you awake at night chances are your tooth may be infected, and that it might require a root canal. Some dread even the mention of the procedure, but if you are suffering from discomfort a root canal may be exactly what you need to alleviate your pain. It can also save your tooth. To learn more about root canals please reach out to your Foothill Ranch, CA, dentist Dr. Riad of Foothill Family Dental.

Anatomy of Your Tooth

To understand how a root canal works it's important to understand the anatomy of your tooth.

The outermost layer is the enamel, a very strong substance, the strongest in your body. But what makes up most of the majority of the tooth is yet another protective layer we refer to as dentin. Both of these encase and protect the soft inner center, known as the pulp which contains connective tissue that links to the rest of the body through the narrow canals on the roots of your tooth.

Requiring a Root Canal

One of the most common reasons why many of us end up rushing to our dentist's office is very intense pain. This happens when the pulp is compromised and that is when a root canal is called for

An accident that cracks or chips our teeth can expose the pulp to infection. But it isn't only blunt force that can crack the strong enamel layer, the bacteria that cling to our teeth produce acids that can wear away this layer and cause deep decay if left untreated.

Root Canals in Foothill Ranch, CA

During a root canal procedure, the infected areas of the tooth are removed and space is made on the top of the tooth in order to also remove the pulp. The connective tissue is completely extracted all the way through the canals on the roots. This halts the decay and provides pain relief, but because so much of the tooth's structure is lost, the tooth often has to be protected by a crown.

If you suspect you may need one don't put it off any longer, make an appointment today with Dr. Riad of Foothill Family Dental in Foothill Ranch, CA, by dialing (949) 273-8600.