So You Need Root Canal Therapy?
August 8, 2017
In the past, the words “root canal” would strike fear into the patient that heard them. Modern medicine has advanced the treatment, and root canal therapy can now be as simple as a dental filling. Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is the process of removing decay and infection from the inner pulp of your tooth. Typically root canals can be avoided with good oral hygiene and regular check-ups to your dentist. However, teeth broken during an accident may require root canal therapy for restoration. Root canal treatment is usually the last option to save a tooth before extraction is necessary.
What to Expect
The pain of the infected tooth is often much more painful than the actually process of root canal therapy. When the treatment begins, your dentist will first open your tooth to access the inner pulp and tissue. With a large cavity or damage, there may already be significant access inside. The canals and inner pulp will be disinfected and fully cleaned. The roots may be replaced with a prosthetic material. The tooth will be restored and sealed. Your dentist will likely recommend a dental crown to protect the tooth from future damage.
Why Is It Necessary?
If a tooth requires root canal therapy, it means that the damage or decay has reached the inner tissue of the tooth. Without treatment, the infection can become quite severe. The infection can enter the bloodstream and travel to other areas of the body, which can lead to serious complications and even death. The pain from an infected or abscessed tooth can be overwhelming. Once the infection has progressed this far, root canal treatment may no longer be a viable option. Extracting the tooth altogether may become the only way to stop the pain and infection.
Root Canal Therapy Can Save Your Tooth
If you have severe tooth pain, then endodontic treatment may be the best way to save it from having to be extracted. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry of Kansas City, MO, today at 816-427-4018.