It's tough knowing whether that ache that's keeping us awake at night is going to mean that we'll require a root canal, that thought alone could drive away sleep. But there is nothing to fear about the procedure, thanks to anesthesia your discomfort will be minimal, and will in fact be the only thing that can permanently take away the pain, but if you have more questions about root canals then please get in contact with your Onalaska, WI, emergency dentist Dr. Todd Johnson of Johnson Dental.

The Anatomy of Decay

If you've ever looked at a picture of a tooth on its own you will have noticed that there's plenty more than what's visible beneath the gum line, that is what's referred to as the root.

The root of the tooth helps to support it and through these roots, on the inside, there are narrow pathways that connect the soft tissue center of the tooth, the pulp, to the rest of your body.

There are nerves and blood vessels inside of your tooth in this inner chamber. So that when your tooth becomes damaged it is this soft tissue that becomes infected and inflamed, causing a great deal of pain.

It's not only pain that's a concern, once decay sets in it will only progress further in and will not stop on its own, so any infected parts must be removed to save your tooth and the overall health of your entire smile.

Emergency Dental Care in Onalaska, WI

Pain is a surefire indicator that something is wrong and that it should be addressed promptly, and if you've encountered tooth pain in the past you know how unbearable it can become unattended.

It's not only decay that can harm a tooth's integrity, if your tooth has become chipped or broken there is a chance that the damage is deep enough to warrant emergency treatment. If you don't feel pain immediately after, if the protective layers of your tooth have been breached, then you will feel it eventually.

Both situations may warrant a root canal to save the tooth. A root canal, as it sounds, removes the decayed and damaged portions of your tooth, and also the soft tissue from the inner chamber and all the way down the pathways of the roots. This procedure halts the infection and eliminates pain. The final part of the procedure is affixing a crown to further protect the injured tooth.

If you require help don't simply endure the pain, call in to make an appointment today with Dr. Johnson of Johnson Dental in Onalaska, WI, you can reach the office by calling (608) 788-3852.