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How Root Canal Therapy Can Save Your Teeth

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Up close view of tooth model that shows an infected tooth due for a root canal.

Tooth decay is a common occurrence among millions of Americans, but when your decay becomes so severe that it’s affecting your tooth pulp, you will need root canal therapy to save your tooth. Root canal therapy saves your tooth from extraction by removing the infected pulp and nerve within the tooth and covering it with a crown to prevent further injury and infection. This process can be done to any of your teeth and keeps them strong for years to come. Find out how to recognize the signs of an infected tooth and when to get a root canal with this guide!

 

Recognizing When You Need Root Canal Therapy

While our teeth are the strongest substance in our bodies, they are still vulnerable to the effects of disease and decay. One of the most common procedures to treat an infected tooth is root canal therapy, and it is performed to save infected teeth from extraction, fix nerve damage and treat a cavity that has made its way to the pulp of the tooth. Each of our teeth have a soft center called dental pulp that is filled with nerves, connective tissue and blood vessels. Whenever our tooth is cracked or damaged, bacteria can get into the dental pulp and infect it, causing pain and eventual bone death or tooth loss. An untreated, infected tooth can cause a lot of physical and financial problems, and should be treated as soon as possible. However, before treatment can begin, it’s important to know the signs of an infected tooth. Root canal therapy is typically required for cracked teeth caused by injury, problematic fillings and deep cavities. These conditions cause the tooth to become sensitive to hot and cold temperatures and severe pain when chewing/eating. If you notice that your gums are darker than usual or are swollen and/or tender, one of your teeth is most likely infected. If any of these issues arise, make sure to schedule a dental evaluation as soon as possible before the infection becomes worse. Taking early action means less pain for you and a better chance of survival for your tooth.

 

What To Expect During A Root CanalModel of the stages of root canal treatment.

Thanks to modern technology and tools that are available now, root canal therapy is a relatively fast and simple procedure. Your dentist will most likely take dental X-rays of your teeth before beginning the procedure to identify the problem area and evaluate surrounding teeth. He/she will inject a local anesthetic to numb the area and ensure that you don’t feel any pain. An opening will be made in the crown of your tooth to reach the infected pulp, and after that is removed, the chamber and root canals will be thoroughly cleaned and dried. Following this, the root canals will be filled and the tooth topped with a dental crown to restore its natural look and prevent future infection. This process normally takes between one and two visits to complete, and once the anesthesia wears off, you can start eating like normal that very same day. Most patients will feel immediate pain relief once the infected pulp is removed but will experience some post-procedure pain that can be treated with an over-the-counter pain reliever. Some patients won’t receive their permanent filling or crown the same day, so they will need to exercise extreme caution when chewing to avoid damaging the tooth before the treatment is finished.

 

Take Care Of Your Teeth Now To Prevent Disease

The best form of treatment is prevention, which means it’s better to prevent disease from occurring in the first place rather than waiting to treat it once it develops. To begin, make sure that you are brushing and flossing your teeth each day to keep decay at bay and prevent plaque from forming. When plaque sits on the teeth, it eats away at tooth enamel until a cavity forms. If a cavity is allowed to fester, it can reach the dental pulp and infect it. At this point, you will need root canal therapy to save your tooth. Don’t let this occur! Make the commitment today to establish a good oral hygiene regimen to keep your teeth (and gums) healthy for years to come. Additionally, meet with your dentist regularly so that any signs of decay can be addressed quickly. Decay moves quickly and silently, with most patients not realizing that the tooth is in trouble until they start to feel pain or sensitivity. Having regular dental checkups will protect your oral health and allow the dentist to clean out all infected areas before they progress into something worse.

 

Prepare For Root Canal Therapy With Our Help!

If you’re struggling with a painful or sensitive tooth, you might qualify for root canal therapy. At Stonebrook Family Dental, we have performed numerous root canals and have helped patients restore their tooth health again. If you’re tired of your painful tooth, call our office at (303) 872-7907 to schedule a dental evaluation. Early treatment is the best way to save your tooth and maintain optimal oral health, so call today to get your health back on track!

 

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