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://hugocoronado.com or call Hugo Coronado DDS, Inc at (559) 703-2003 for an appointment in our Fresno office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Canal Treatment in Fresno, CA.
Regular visits to the dentist are a must when it comes to maintaining good oral health. But, if you are looking for dental treatment to enhance your smile's appearance, a cosmetic dentist may be the way to go. A cosmetic dentist is a dental professional who specializes in improving the aesthetics of teeth and gums.…
A cosmetic dentist can help if you are not happy with the way your smile looks or feels. The right treatment for your dental needs can change your life. Knowing the reasons for seeing this dental care provider can help you schedule an appointment soon. Here are three reasons for visiting a cosmetic dentist.Dental decay…
Tooth extractions are a common dental procedure to remove impacted teeth, address severe damage or decay, or prepare for orthodontic treatment. They can be done in a single appointment and do not take too long to heal from – especially with proper aftercare. Patients can follow a few key aftercare tips to help streamline their…
Cosmetic dentistry has become increasingly popular as more people use these procedures to improve their smiles and self-confidence. While this type of dentistry is often associated with purely aesthetic improvements, it can also help address many common dental issues. This article will explore how cosmetic dentistry can help improve your smile and overall oral health.Cosmetic…