Root Canals:
Root canals. What are they and why are they feared?! Root Canals are one of the most common and misunderstood dental procedures. A root canal is a dental procedure that gets rid of damage in your tooth’s roots while preserving your natural tooth. The root “canal” refers to the canal of tissue inside your tooth that goes from the top to the root. It’s a myth that the root canal procedure involves drilling a canal down into your gum or creating a canal in your gums where one doesn’t exist. Without a root canal, a severe tooth infection can spread along the gum-line to your other teeth. Teeth can turn yellow or black, and dental infections can become serious and spread to other areas through your blood. This is all done by a dentist, and dentists don’t get enough days of recognition to celebrate their accomplishments!
National Root Canal Appreciation Day was created to enhance awareness, educate, and celebrate. This day teaches people about root canals and to appreciate how dentists help protect teeth for everyone.
History of National Root Canal Appreciation Day
National Root Canal Appreciation Day began under the most unusual of circumstances. The holiday was created in 2005 by dentist Dr. Chris Krammer. Dr. Krammer is not just a dentist, his other passion is music!
“He gained notoriety through performing his original rap song “Get Out the Brush” at Madison Mallard’s collegiate league ballpark. His performance inspired 5,991 baseball fans to brush their teeth simultaneously.”
Since then he had appeared on American Idol and other venues to teach people about the importance of dentistry and dental care through his music. That record was picked up by a Colgate-sponsored event. National Root Canal Appreciation Day marks the occasion in hopes of giving recognition to dentists and dental specialists all around the world.
Now, what is a root canal? Inside your tooth, beneath the white enamel and a hard layer called dentin, is a soft tissue called pulp. This tissue contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue, that help grow the root of your tooth during its development. A fully developed tooth can survive without the pulp because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it. The pulp inside of teeth that contain nerves and tissue can become infected. Root canals are performed to help clear out infection and protect the tooth from further damage. Root canals are one of the most used procedures by dentists because of their ability to prevent decay.
A modern root canal treatment is nothing like those old sayings! It’s very similar to a routine filling and can usually be completed in one or two appointments, depending on the condition of your tooth and your personal circumstances. Getting a root canal is relatively painless and extremely effective. You’ll be back to smiling, biting and chewing in no time.
Saving the natural tooth with root canal treatment has many advantages:
Proper and Efficient Chewing
Normal biting force and sensation
Natural appearance
Protects other teeth from excessive wear or strain.
The pulp inside of teeth that contain nerves and tissue can become infected. Root canals are performed to help clear out infection and protect the tooth from further damage. Root canals are one of the most used procedures by dentists because of their ability to prevent decay.
Tooth infections can also spread throughout the body, meaning that a Root Canal can save your life.
On this day, people take extra precautions to care for their teeth, such as flossing and mouthwash. They also give thanks to their personal dentists by giving gifts and spreading the holiday through social media and school posters.
How to celebrate National Root Canal Appreciation Day
Anyone who loves their dentists and loves taking care of their teeth can celebrate this holiday! But, even if you don’t, you can still thank your dentists for their hard work.
Send them a thank you card with an attached gift. You can learn how root canals are done and use this as an opportunity to take better care of your teeth.
Have any additional questions regarding root canals? Call us at Oxford Dental. Our team members would love to assist! (662)234-5222. Early detection is key to avoiding a root canal! By reserving a preventative care exam and thorough dental cleaning, you and your dentist will be grateful for it.