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 of teeth, even if they are infected or decayed. Any damage to the canal leads to severe toothaches. A root canal is a procedure that allows dentists to save severely damaged or infected teeth by removing the pulp inside the tooth and filling up the canal with a rubbery material – gutta percha – to seal off the area.
Root canal therapy can be performed by most dentists, and the procedure takes less than an hour. The procedure sometimes involves patients coming in for a second appointment to get the restored tooth covered with a crown.
Root canal therapy has an unfair reputation as one of the most painful procedures performed by dentists, but that is simply a myth. Local anesthetics are administered at the start of the treatment, so patients do not feel significant pain during it. All they feel is pressure from the dentist working on their tooth and vibrations from tools like dental drills.
Some of the reasons why a dentist might recommend root canal therapy include:
Tooth decay is caused by the acids made by oral bacteria eating away at teeth structures, and it can lead to the total loss of a tooth when left untreated. Cavities are often the first visible sign a tooth is decaying, and these small holes continuously expand when left untreated.
The damage will eventually leave the pulp chamber compromised, leaving the pulp inside exposed to oral bacteria, saliva, and debris. The result is excruciating toothaches that make it impossible to focus on anything or get any sleep at night. Root canals are typically performed to save severely decayed teeth. The tooth can then be built up or filed down for a crown.
Severe trauma to a tooth can open up the pulp chamber, leaving its contents compromised. Root canals allow dentists to save severely damaged teeth. Such injuries also lead to tooth pain and make teeth more vulnerable to infections.
Root canals are performed on damaged teeth to stop the pain caused by the tooth’s nerve being exposed to irritants, and to prevent future infection.
A root canal is one of the two popular options explored when a patient has an infected tooth. The other option dentists often explore is tooth extraction when there is a serious risk of the infection spreading to other parts of the body. Tooth infections are classified as dental emergencies since there is always a risk of the infection spreading to other parts of the body. For example, bacteria can make their way from the tooth to the brain, where they can have life-threatening effects. A root canal can be performed to stop the infection in its tracks and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body.
Dealing with a severely damaged, decayed, or infected tooth? Our dentist might be able to save it. Call or stop by our Chesterfield office to set up an appointment.
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.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Canal Treatment in Chesterfield, MO.
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…
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…
A root canal is a form of surgery that is performed under either local or general anesthesia. Therefore, you need to follow your dentist’s orders after the procedure. That includes proper cleaning, how to reduce the swelling and even the foods you eat. The last thing you want is to irritate the area and then…
An implant dentist uses artificial tooth roots to anchor a restoration for a lost tooth…
A dental implant is the gold standard in dental restorations. It can replace an entire…
Patients with fragile, fractured, damaged, or broken teeth may now have their dental condition assessed…
Losing a tooth can be disconcerting. Thankfully, there are multiple dental restoration options to replace…
Teeth become damaged as a result of many things, such as injury, accidents, natural wear…
Think you might need a dental crown? Read on to learn more about this restoration.
