Patients who are scheduled for a root canal may wonder whether such a procedure is necessary. A root canal can save your natural tooth and prevent you from needing a replacement, such as a dental implant or denture. So, while you might not choose to get a root canal for fun, it is a useful service offered by a general dentist to ensure the long-term viability of your teeth following decay, injury, or infection.
Root canals entail using small drills to access the inside of a tooth, called the pulp chamber. The dentist removes the contents of the pulp chamber before filling the tooth with a new material and closing the entry hole. This process has numerous advantages that can mean a longer life for a patient's tooth.
In many cases, a root canal becomes necessary after decay has compromised the pulp chamber. If a cavity extends deep enough into the tooth, it can create a pathway through which bacteria can travel to reach the blood vessels and nerves inside the tooth.
When doing a root canal, the dentist removes the bacteria and closes off the access point to the interior of the tooth. This stops internal decay so the tooth can remain strong for years to come.
Once a tooth begins to weaken, it becomes vulnerable to decay, infection, cracking, and other issues. When a dentist opens the tooth and then empties and refills it, they strengthen its structure to prevent it from breaking during use.
The material inserted into the empty pulp chamber is called gutta-percha. This rubber-like material fills the entire space so the tooth is not hollow and brittle. This is how the tooth that has had a root canal can enjoy many more years of life without the patient worrying that it will crack during chewing or speaking.
A compromised pulp is a problem because it often causes soreness in the mouth and affects the patient’s overall health. Bacteria residing in the pulp chamber can no longer be brushed away, so they are free to populate and produce waste, which can lead to infection.
An infection inside a living tooth has access to that tooth’s blood vessels, which it can use to travel to other parts of the body through the circulatory system. Certain health issues, such as heart disease, can share a link with oral infections. Therefore, using a root canal to eliminate the infection and seal off the tooth can also preserve patients’ overall health.
If you need a root canal, the best time to get one is now. Waiting enables bacteria to potentially spread infection to other parts of the body, and the tooth might not survive the ordeal. Getting a root canal can allow you to keep your natural tooth for many more years, so contact our office to schedule your treatment today so we can save your tooth!
Request an appointment here: https://impladentdentistry.com or call Impladent Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry at (714) 677-9452 for an appointment in our Anaheim office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Canal Treatment in Anaheim, CA.
Root canals are not very pleasant, but they are often necessary to improve a person’s oral and dental health. These procedures also require the placement of a dental crown, which is done for a few important reasons. If you’re preparing for a root canal, then you may want to read this article. We talk about the…
Looking for root canal information? Understanding the root canal process is necessary for those who are in need of root canal therapy to improve their oral health. Part of the process is choosing a restoration option to protect the treated tooth from further damage, as lost teeth need to be replaced. Ready to find out…
Looking for information on common root canal symptoms? There are many symptoms that may appear when someone is in need of root canal therapy. When it is determined that someone needs to undergo a root canal to save a tooth, a general dentist can typically perform the procedure.Understanding symptoms associated with the need for a…
If a dentist has told you that you need root canal treatment, it is usually because you have an infected tooth. Also known as endodontic therapy, root canal therapy can help to repair an infected tooth and save it from extraction. The procedure is relatively simple and involves getting rid of the infected material inside…
Curious about dental crowns? Read on to learn more about this type of restoration. If a dentist determines that you need a dental crown, there are several reasons why they may make that suggestion. A crown is a common dental restoration to cover and protect a tooth with compromised structural integrity. Their natural appearance and…
Thinking about getting partial dentures? Continue reading to learn more about this tooth-replacement option. Partial dentures are becoming increasingly popular. Dentures are a practical tooth replacement option, but it takes some time to become used to your new partial dentures. The good news is that you do not have to give up your comfort to…