Root canal treatment enables dentists to save severely damaged, decayed, or infected teeth. The procedure is typically recommended when a tooth has a compromised pulp chamber. The pulp chamber is the innermost layer of a tooth, and it contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. Tooth decay and damage can leave this part of a tooth exposed to bacteria and other irritants in the mouth, leading to excruciating toothaches and increasing the risk of infection.
Root canal treatment involves removing the soft tissues in the pulp chamber and resealing the area. The method has a high success rate, and it is not a painful treatment despite many people believing otherwise.
Let us take a close look at a few of the pros and cons of root canal therapy.
Root canal therapy can save severely damaged or infected teeth, enabling patients to keep their natural teeth. Saving a patient’s natural tooth helps prevent the bone tissue loss that often occurs when a tooth is lost. The tooth’s root gets to continue stimulating the patient’s jaw, keeping their jawbone healthy.
Teeth that have been treated with root canal therapy can end up weaker than they originally were. The technique involves drilling a hole into the tooth, which weakens its structure. Dentists often recommend putting crowns on teeth that have been treated with root canal therapy, to protect them from bite forces and restore their appearance and function.
A compromised pulp chamber typically leads to painful toothaches. The pain often does not respond to over-the-counter toothache products, and if it does fade, it does not stay away for long. The intensity of the pain can be so severe that it prevents people from focusing on tasks or getting any sleep at night.
These toothaches can be painful enough to even get people with dental phobias to see a dentist. Fortunately, the pain is typically gone by the time that the root canal procedure is over.
The root canal procedure can typically be performed during a single visit, but dentists sometimes choose to break it up into multiple treatments. It often comes down to how badly infected the tooth is. Dentists sometimes prefer to apply medication to the tooth twice before sealing it back up. Patients might also need multiple appointments if the dentist plans to cover the treated tooth with a crown.
People who choose to save their damaged teeth with root canals over extractions are less likely to develop alignment issues or gaps forming between their teeth. Extracting a tooth can lead to the remaining teeth moving out of their original positions as they try to close the gap.
Are you dealing with a severely damaged or infected tooth? Give us a call or visit our {{CIT}} location to set up an appointment with our dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.libertytreeprosthodontics.com or call Mahshid Mirghassemi, D.D.S, PC at (978) 206-7959 for an appointment in our Danvers office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Canal Treatment in Danvers, MA.
A dentist might recommend root canal therapy if you have a badly damaged, decayed, or infected tooth. The procedure targets narrow openings at the roots of teeth – called canals – that contain nerve fibers and blood vessels that provide sensation and nutrients to teeth.These nerves play an important role in the development and health…
Finding out what root canal therapy involves is something any dental patient who needs to undergo this commonly performed procedure needs to do. Asking a general dentist about root canals allows patients to get correct information, as well as ask any additional questions they have. One of the more common questions is how many dental…
You should see an emergency dentist for your abscessed tooth. This condition is an infection. Severe pain and swelling are its main symptoms. Seeking emergency dental care can help right away. An abscessed tooth can become a jaw infection if it does not receive immediate treatment. If you want to find out why you should…
If you've knocked out a tooth, it's an emergency dentistry situation, and you should call your dentist immediately. If they can't see you right away, an emergency dentist can help you in the meantime by putting the tooth back in place and providing emergency dental care until you can get to the dentist's office. Read…
For tooth loss, going to a prosthodontist is a good choice for finding the right solution. Living with missing teeth can have negative effects. One may struggle with oral health issues and cosmetic concerns. The good news is there are effective treatments to restore your smile and the function of your mouth. Prosthodontists have the…
Dental veneers restore one’s smile with custom-fit shells. The dentist will place them on the front surface of the teeth to cover any damage and discoloration. Understanding the process of getting these restorations can help you prepare for your next appointment. Here are the details on what to expect when getting dental veneers.Consulting a general…