(407) 777-2071The Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
No one wants to hear the dentist or another oral health professional use the words “root canal”. Root canals get a bad rap yet they provide myriad benefits. So don't fret if your dentist raises the subject of root canal therapy! This is an important procedure that will improve your oral health for years to come. Today's root canal therapy is relatively painless compared to that of years past. In fact, some patients report root canal therapy causes less discomfort than tooth extraction and several other dental procedures. Let's take a look at the numerous benefits of root canal therapy.
A Brief Explanation of Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy1 removes the infected or inflamed pulp within the tooth. The dentist cleans the tooth, disinfects it and fills/seals it with gutta-percha, a material similar to rubber in texture. The treated tooth is subsequently restored with the addition of a crown or a filling for added protection.
The Benefits of Root Canal Therapy: Halt the Infection
The tooth in question is infected and on the verge of dying. A root canal is necessary to stop this infection. Though the outer portion of the tooth is certainly hard, the interior pulp is comprised of sensitive living tissues. Such tissue can be infected either through cracks along the tooth surface or deep decay, hastening the tooth's death. Once this occurs, immediate treatment will be required in order to eliminate the pain, keep the infection under control and stop it from spreading.
Root Canal Therapy can Save the Compromised Tooth
Ignore the infected tooth long enough and you might lose it. Opt for root canal therapy and the dentist might be able to save it. As soon as tooth loss begins, it will spur a slew of additional problems such as gum disease, a heightened risk of tooth decay and bite issues. There is no sense taking these risks when root canal therapy is available. There is good reason to attempt to save the natural tooth: you will retain your natural smile, require less dental work across posterity and can eat the foods you crave.
Have an experienced dentist perform a root canal on your infected tooth and it just might last the rest of your life. This approach is optimal as a fully decayed tooth will either require extraction or be lost. There is no reason to let your tooth get to this point when our dentist is available to perform root canal therapy.
Alleviate the Pain With Root Canal Therapy
There is a popular misconception root canal treatment is an extremely painful procedure. The little-known truth is root canal therapy actually relieves pain. Root canals certainly have the potential to cause slight pain yet the discomfort is not much different than the sensations that occur when a cavity is being treated. An infection of the inner pulp will make the tissues and nerves in the tooth that much more sensitive. By the time root canal therapy is necessary, the infection might have spread to the point that it moves through the root that connects into the jawbone. The chamber within this root is important as it transmits nutrients from the jawbone to the pulp of the tooth. An infection in this area of the mouth has the potential to pose all sorts of oral health problems.
The only way to eliminate the pain is to have the dentist perform a root canal. This therapy eliminates the infection and restores the tooth. However, the pain will only get worse until you have it treated by a reputable dentist. If you have tooth pain, meet with your dentist right away to determine if a root canal is necessary. The end result will be less pain and a much healthier mouth.
Root Canal Therapy Creates an Aesthetically Pleasing Smile
Once your root canal therapy is complete, you will have a crown on your natural tooth. These crowns look and function like the top portion of other natural teeth. Once your root canal is complete, you will not hesitate to smile wide, laugh and open your mouth in public. There won't be any reason to worry about unsightly gaps or a missing tooth now that the tooth is properly treated. A beautiful smile benefits you in countless ways. Smile wide following your root canal and you will feel happier and more confident. Perhaps most importantly, you will make a positive first impression on everyone you meet.
Prevent the Formation of Abscesses
Root canal therapy helps prevent the formation of abscesses. An abscess in the mouth creates a slew of additional problems you want no part of. If you end up with an abscess, you will spend more time in the dentist's chair, spend more money and endure more discomfort.
Eliminate Bacteria
Root canal therapy eliminates bacteria from the cavity of the tooth. This elimination of bacteria is essential to prevent the infection from spreading.
The Moral of the Story: Your Infected Tooth Will not Improve on Its Own
An infected tooth will only get worse as time progresses. Do not ignore this dental problem! Though a root canal is not something patients typically look forward to, the temporary inconvenience is well worth it. So do not simply wait and hope the pain will gradually dissipate. Even if the pain does go away in due time, it is an indication the nerves inside are dead. The infection will continue to thrive if you fail to meet with the dentist for root canal therapy.
An infected tooth will almost certainly get worse if left untreated. Ignore the tooth and bacteria from the tooth pulp will move through the tooth roots, directly into the jaw and gum tissue. The spread of bacteria will lead to the formation of an extremely uncomfortable abscess loaded with puss that mandates immediate treatment. Furthermore, if the infection is extreme, it might cause a spike in body-wide inflammation, possibly putting you at risk for an even more serious condition such as a stroke or heart disease.
Fine Dentistry of Downtown Orlando
Meet with our oral health professionals to determine if root canal therapy is necessary. Our dental team is here to perform your root canal, clean your teeth, beautify your smile and improve your oral health. Reach out to us at (407) 777-2071 to learn more about root canal therapy and schedule an appointment.
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Contributed by DentalROI
DentalROI provides relevant dental content to help providers educate patients. The statements, services, and products referenced in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and they are not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dental provider with any questions or issues you may have. Specific recommendations may vary in different circumstances, so individual consultation is important.
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