Root Canals are essential to oral health care. Some people think they are painful, but that's just a myth. Root canals actually relieve pain. 
Modern technology has come a long way, allowing your Madisonville, KY, dentist to treat your tooth pain.
What's a root canal?
A tooth is composed of several layers:
- The outermost layer is enamel. It's the white part of the tooth and also happens to be the strongest part.
- The second layer, under the enamel, it is called dentin. This layer is yellowish and a bit softer.
- The third layer of the tooth is called pulp. It consists of blood vessels and nerves.
- The last layer is the cementum. This part anchors the whole tooth to the jawbone.
When a cavity is deep enough to infiltrate the enamel, then the dentin, it reaches the pulp, causing pain. Your Madisonville dentist will need to remove the pulp, clean and disinfect the canal from any bacteria remaining, then seal the canal to prevent any more bacteria from entering.
Why would I need a root canal?
One of the main reasons people end up needing a root canal is because of poor oral hygiene. If you don't brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once, then you will suffer from plaque and tartar building up. Plaque and tartar are not only difficult to clean at some point, but you have to deal with bacteria eating away at your teeth.
- Brushing and flossing on a regular basis
- Eating sugary foods and drinks like sugary gum and soda contribute to tooth decay, but healthy foods like apples and carrots help scrape plaque off teeth
- Constantly drinking water also helps remove plaque and food debris from your teeth
If you have any questions or concerns about root canals, don't hesitate to call your Madisonville, KY, dentists. You can also schedule an appointment at this number: (270) 245-1547.