How Root Canal Treatment Can Save a Tooth

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.mfgrassodds.com or call Michael F. Grasso DDS at (636) 777-7700 for an appointment in our Chesterfield office.

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