The prospect of having a root canal probably will not get anyone excited. When you have severely decayed teeth or an infection in the roots or pulp, this procedure may be necessary. Though many people may have fears about this treatment, it can salvage teeth. Instead of having your dentist remove the affected tooth, you can keep your beautiful smile and enjoy a mouthful of healthy teeth.
Preventive vs. restorative care
From the time people were young children, most probably knew that it was important to regularly visit the dentist. Every six months, patients should stop by the dental office for a checkup and examination. This will help keep teeth strong and may avoid future problems. However, when a person has a cavity, a chipped or broken tooth, an infection or severe decay, restorative work is essential. Endodontic work can help preserve teeth that otherwise may be useless. Dentists use different methods for major issues, but a root canal is the first line of defense when there are problems in the pulp chamber.
How this process works
When the dentist determines that endodontic treatment is the right way to save a tooth, the patient will make an appointment. The dentist begins by numbing the affected area until the patient feels comfortable. The root canal professional then drills into the tooth down to the pulp chamber, which holds nerve endings, blood vessels and other tissue. The dentist removes this as well as any decay and infection in and around the tooth. After sealing the tooth, the dentist may choose to place a cap or crown over it.
The root canal and its role in saving teeth
When there are bacteria in the pulp and the rest of the tooth, it will slowly spread around the mouth. This could infect the jaw and cause swelling in the face. Without proper intervention, a person could experience intense pain and may even develop other more serious conditions. The dentist can relieve this discomfort and eliminate the infection. A root canal procedure can salvage the tooth by keeping surrounding tissue intact, which nourishes the tooth. The process can also do the following for oral health:
- Promotes effective chewing
- Allows a person to continue biting with normal force
- Can protect adjacent teeth from wearing out or becoming infected
- Can help maintain the normal appearance of a person’s mouth
When to get help
With minor dental problems, a person might be able to wait a few weeks or even months before addressing the issue. However, patients who have signs they need this treatment should not delay. Calling a dentist and making an appointment immediately will help keep the condition from getting worse. Common signs that a person needs this procedure include severe tooth pain and discomfort, inflamed gums or difficulty eating or drinking hot or cold food or beverages.
Keep those teeth
Having a full mouth of healthy teeth will help you maintain your smile. Keeping your teeth is also important for chewing and biting. Do not risk losing an infected tooth. Call your dentist today. This root canal professional has the training and tools to successfully perform this important treatment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.marionfamilydentist.com or call Marion Family Dental at (828) 652-6967 for an appointment in our Marion office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
A dentist might recommend root canal therapy if you have a badly damaged, decayed, or infected tooth. The procedure targets narrow openings at the roots of teeth – called canals – that contain nerve fibers and blood vessels that provide sensation and nutrients to teeth.These nerves play an important role in the development and health…
Root canal treatment enables dentists to save severely damaged, decayed, or infected teeth. The procedure is typically recommended when a tooth has a compromised pulp chamber. The pulp chamber is the innermost layer of a tooth, and it contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. Tooth decay and damage can leave this part of a…
Finding out what root canal therapy involves is something any dental patient who needs to undergo this commonly performed procedure needs to do. Asking a general dentist about root canals allows patients to get correct information, as well as ask any additional questions they have. One of the more common questions is how many dental…
Preventive dentistry is encouraged for all adults to help them reduce the risk of oral health, functional, or cosmetic concerns developing. However, the benefits of preventive dentistry are more extensive than you may believe. This review discusses the reasons why preventive dentistry is vital for long-term oral health.The benefits of preventive dentistry include the early…