subject: Root Canal Therapy- Save Your Tooth And Stop The Pain [print this page] Inside of your teeth is the pulp which provides nutrients to each tooth. When the pulp is injured or diseased, its breaks down and bacteria begin multiplying within the pulp chamber. If the diseased pulp isn't removed, the infection will progress and the tooth will eventually die. Years ago, if your tooth nerves were infected there were no successful treatments available to eliminate the diseased pulp, so the tooth was lost.
With advances in dentistry over the years, root canal therapy emerged as an effective treatment for an infected tooth. A root canal treatment can be performed by your family dentist in Highland as easily as having a filling placed. Delaying treatment will only make the infection worse and increase your chances of losing the tooth.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
When the inner chambers of a tooth are badly decayed or infected, root canal therapy, also known as endodontic therapy, can be performed by a dentist to repair and save the tooth that would otherwise be lost. The common procedure involves removing the diseased nerve and pulp located inside of the tooth and sealing it to prevent recontamination. Without treatment, the infection won't heal on its own and may penetrate surrounding tissue leading to an abscess. In severe cases, an infected tooth can cause bone loss and even spread to other areas of your body including the face, neck and head.
If the tooth is still weak and brittle following the root canal treatment, a crown may be placed over the tooth to strengthen its structure and improve its appearance. Your tooth is then restored and can function just like any other tooth for the rest of your life, ensuring comfortable chewing and a natural appearance.
How Do I know if I need a Root Canal?
Common symptoms of a diseased pulp include:
Severe toothache pain, especially when chewing
Prolonged sensitivity/pain to heat or cold temperatures
Discoloration (darkening) of the tooth
Swelling and tenderness of the gum tissue surrounding the affected area
A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums
Are Root Canals Painful?
While root canal therapy has the reputation of being painful, most patients report that the procedure itself is no more painful than having a filling placed. Root canal therapy is an instant pain reliever and the best treatment available that saves original teeth. Patients who receive root canal treatment today enjoy a restored tooth that can last almost as long as its healthy original.
Root canals are highly successful. In fact, the treatment has more than a 95% success rate. There are many benefits, including:
Infection is removed from the pulp
Helps prevent dental decay
Protects against having teeth permanently extracted
Eases pain associated with decay
Thanks to advances in dental technology, endodontic therapy has become more precise, less invasive, and ultimately, less painful. The key to ensuring a positive patient experience is finding the most qualified dentist to perform your procedure. The only other alternative is extraction, which can cause neighboring teeth to shift, resulting in a misaligned bite. Pay attention to the warning signs associated with an infected pulp and see your Highland dentist right away for safe and effective treatment.
