Dental restoration refers to the various ways dentists can repair or replace missing or damaged teeth. These procedures aim to restore the normal function and appearance of your smile. One common restorative procedure is root canal therapy, which addresses issues within the inner part of a tooth, known as the pulp. Here’s more information on root canal procedures and how they preserve your teeth:
Preserving Natural Teeth
One of the primary goals of root canal therapy is to save a natural tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted. When the soft tissue inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected, it can cause significant discomfort and damage. By removing this tissue, cleaning the internal space, and sealing it, this procedure allows you to keep your natural tooth.
When Do You Need a Root Canal?
A root canal may be necessary when the pulp inside your tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This can occur due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, or a crack or chip that exposes the underlying tissue to bacteria. Trauma to a tooth, even without noticeable damage, can also affect the inner tooth structures, leading to infection.
Some signs that indicate you may need a restorative treatment include:
- Persistent, severe tooth pain that interfered with daily activities.
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures.
- Noticeable swelling or tenderness in the gums near the affected tooth.
- Discolored tooth, indicating potential nerve damage.
How Do You Confirm an Infection?
When experiencing any of these symptoms, contact a dental professional for a prompt assessment. They offer a thorough examination with X-rays to verify signs of infection before recommending any restorative treatments. Checking your abnormal symptoms with a professional can help you avoid the spread of infection, which may impact other areas of your mouth or jaw.
Treating Infection
The tooth’s pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, can become infected due to deep decay. If left untreated, this infection may lead to an abscess, which is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of a tooth’s root. An abscessed tooth can cause swelling that may spread to other areas of the face, neck, or head.
The spread of infection can also cause bone loss around the tip of your tooth’s root. By performing a root canal, a dentist removes the infected pulp, carefully cleans the inside of the tooth, and eliminates the source of the infection. This process helps to resolve related symptoms and contain the issue while preserving functionality.
Preventing Future Dental Issues
Once the infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is disinfected, it is filled and sealed. A crown is placed on the tooth to protect it and restore it to full function. Retaining your natural teeth offers several advantages, and a root canal can help prevent subsequent problems.
This restorative treatment helps maintain proper chewing function, allowing you to eat a varied diet more comfortably. It also preserves the natural alignment of your smile. When a tooth is missing, adjacent teeth shift into the space left behind. Alignment shifting may lead to bite problems or difficulties with oral hygiene.
By addressing the infection at its source, this restorative therapy prevents it from spreading. Saving your natural tooth avoids the need for an extraction, which would then necessitate a replacement. Bridges or dental implants are commonly used when extractions are unavoidable, helping prevent surrounding teeth from drifting.
Learn More About Root Canals
Root canal therapy is a routine dental procedure designed to save a natural tooth and alleviate discomfort. It addresses issues within the tooth’s pulp, helping to preserve your smile and prevent further complications. A dental professional can evaluate your unique situation and discuss appropriate options with you. Schedule an appointment today.
