After suffering from a severe toothache, you may have had it examined only to learn that it is infected. Because the infection has spread into the pulp of the tooth where the blood vessels and nerves that supply it are located, the dental professional may have decided that you need to have a root canal.

If you have never had a root canal before, you may be weary about having the procedure done, especially if you have heard misconceptions from others. To help inform you of the truth and to calm your misgivings, below are answers to a couple of questions you may have about root canal treatment for your infected tooth.

1. How Does the Root Canal Help with Getting Rid of the Infection in Your Tooth?

One question you may have about root canals is how they can help get rid of an infection in your tooth. You may also wonder why the dentist decided to use this type of treatment instead of other ones like antibiotics.

When your tooth becomes infected and it reaches the pulp, there is a danger that it can spread into your bloodstream and throughout your body as well as permanently damage the tooth. When a root canal is done, the infected pulp is removed so that the tooth can be saved and the infection taken out as soon as possible.

2. Will You Experience a Lot of Pain After the Root Canal Is Performed?

Another question you may have has to do with the amount of pain you will be in after the root canal is performed. You may have heard that it causes severe pain, making you fearful of having the procedure done.

During the treatment, a small canal is made through the enamel and into the pulp where the infected, damaged tissue is removed. While you may have some discomfort and soreness after the procedure, you will more than likely feel relief from the pain caused by the infection once it is taken out.

When an infection has spread to the pulp inside one of your teeth, a root canal can remove it and the damaged tissue to help keep the infection from spreading as well as save the tooth. While you may have some soreness after the procedure, you are more likely to gain relief from the pain caused by the infection. For more information about the procedure and what you can expect, speak with a dentist that offers root canal treatment who can answer your questions.