Root Canal Therapy to Preserve the Tooth
Toothache, decay, and infection are significant threats to oral health, but root canal treatment may solve these issues. When patients encounter the symptoms, their first thought is to eliminate the source of the discomfort, which is the tooth. But dentists prioritize preserving the teeth and preventing the agony and discomfort of decay or infection in the first place. They recommend root canal therapy to preserve the tooth and extend its lifespan. This therapy works great for teeth with inflamed or diseased pulp.
How a root canal may help preserve the tooth
A patient recommended for a root canal treatment will undergo four separate processes.
Examination
The dentist will first take a dental X-ray to check the treatment region. This is necessary to gain a good view of the location of the tooth roots in the jaw. The scan will also reveal the location of the decay. The picture will highlight the tooth's root complexity, enabling the dentist to remove all infected roots.
Administering local anesthetic
A local anesthetic is used to numb the gum around the affected area. Patients with a low pain threshold must let their dentist know ahead of time. They may administer an appropriate sedative to help the patient stay calm throughout treatment. This is important for the root canal surgery to proceed well. After that, a rubber dam is placed over the affected tooth to keep it clean and dry throughout treatment.
Cleaning the canals of the teeth
Starting at the crown and working down to the pulp chamber, the dentist will access the compromised tooth. They will clean the canals, eliminate bacteria, and remove any debris left. The pulp is then removed, and the canals are cleaned and shaped using dental instruments.
Sealing and filling
The roots are ready to be filled with gutta-percha material after the canals are fully clean. This will prevent future bacterial invasion into the pulp chamber. The dentist will plug the tooth hole with a dental filling or a crown to finish root canal treatment. This will prevent reinfection or the need for tooth extraction.
Advantages of undergoing a root canal procedure
Most dental procedures, such as veneers and crowns, are designed to keep the smile appearing natural. However, the appearance and durability of the natural tooth structure is unrivaled. By undergoing a root canal operation, patients can preserve their natural teeth.
Contrary to popular belief, the root canal procedure is almost painless. Dentists often use sedatives and local anesthetics to keep patients comfortable and calm throughout the procedure. Patients will leave the dental office feeling better, since the dentist has treated the infection.
Final note
Your dentist is concerned about saving your tooth because no dental restoration can match a natural tooth. You should not lose any of your teeth due to decay, injury, or infection. Root canal therapy enables you to keep your damaged tooth while preventing tooth extraction. Please contact the dentist immediately if you believe that you need root canal treatment.
Request an appointment here: https://dentistryonpark.com or call Dentistry on Park, LLC at (781) 443-8131 for an appointment in our Stoughton office.
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