Benefits of Having Root Canal Therapy

Do you think you might need a root canal? Dentists use root canals to help remove infected tissue inside a tooth. The treatment is a type of endodontic therapy that is done in the dental office using local anesthesia. Once finished, you may need a crown to protect the tooth. This is especially true for teeth located in the back of the mouth needed for chewing.

Under the hard white enamel you see in your mouth, is a layer of hard dentin and then soft tissue called pulp. The pulp has nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The pulp extends to the tooth root.

Pulp is important since it provides the nutrients the tooth needs to grow and develop. Once mature, your tooth can survive without the pulp since it is nourished by the surrounding tissue.

During root canal therapy the dentist treats damaged or diseased areas of the tooth in order to save the tooth, so you don't need a bridge or dental implant. With advancements in dentistry, a root canal can generally be completed in one or two appointments, is relatively painless, and extremely effective.

Root canal therapy is used to treat a tooth that may have been injured, deep cavity, or infections from previous fillings. You may have noticed that a tooth is sensitive to hot or cold, or your dentist may have discovered problems on x-ray. Some symptoms that might mean you need a root canal include:

• Chipped or cracked tooth
• Deep tooth decay or darkening of the gums
• Pimples on the gum
• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• Severe pain when chewing
• Swollen or tender gums

Using a root canal to save the natural tooth is a wise choice. It helps you maintain your smile and limits the need for further dental work. When you properly care for the tooth, root canal therapy can last a lifetime.

The procedure is efficient, simple, and cost-effective. Since the procedure often saves the tooth, you won’t need a dental implants or bridge to replace a missing tooth. In some instances, you may require a crown to protect the tooth.

If you believe you may need root canal therapy, call our office today for an appointment. It’s our mission to provide you with skilled and experienced care to help protect your oral health.