Dentist in Port Credit offers treatment to restore damaged, decayed root canals as alternative to extractions

Severely decayed or highly fractured teeth that couldn’t be saved even a few short years ago can now be restored with root canal therapy.

While this type of treatment is commonly known as a “root canal,” this term actually refers to the innermost part of the tooth. This chamber contains the soft pulp tissue and a system of nerves and blood vessels that nurture the tooth. When the root canal becomes infected, therapy may be needed to bring the tooth back to function and to get you out of discomfort. In fact, it may be the only way to avoid extraction.

Pulling the tooth should always be a last resort, especially in an era where many more severe conditions can be treated with a root canal procedure. By employing medications to numb the treatment area and precise dental techniques, you should little more than pressure during root canal therapy comparable to the sensation of getting a cavity filled.

You may need root canal treatment if:

• Cavities progress to the point where a filling is not sufficient enough to treat the decay.
• Trauma such as breaks or fractures enables bacteria to enter the tooth.
• The tooth is badly damaged by multiple repeat dental procedures, which also results in bacteria making its way inside the soft middle.
• A filling or other restoration is worn and no longer effective in keeping out harmful bacteria that leads to inflammation and infection.

Understanding how simple and effective treatment can be is the first step to easing fear about the procedure, which has through the years been erroneously associated with severe pain. The truth: Root canal treatment is designed to get you out of pain.

Here is how it works:

• After the treatment area is numbed and the area to be treated is isolated with a rubber dam, Dr. Rina Kotecha will access the innermost part of your tooth.
• Using fine instruments, Dr. Kotecha gently cleans out the pulp and removes the damaged tissue.
• The areas of the tooth that have been accessed for tissue removal and cleaning are then sealed off.

If a significant amount of tooth structure has been lost as the result of decay or other trauma, a dental crown may be needed to restore the tooth to proper function and a natural appearance. In some cases, a permanent filling may be sufficient to rebuild the tooth and return it to health. In either case, a temporary restoration will seal the opening of the tooth and protect the innermost structure during healing.

In very rare cases, a tooth can’t be restored with root canal therapy and a crown. Dentistry on 10 boasts a number of alternatives to rebuild the tooth with an artificial tooth root or dental implant, followed by a dental crown. The implant-supported tooth is designed to look, feel, and function like your natural tooth.

Likewise, Dr. Kotecha may be able to take a more conservative approach. While cleaning out the damaged root canals in this manner has worked for many patients in the Port Credit area, it may not be a necessary treatment in your case. A filling may suffice. Phone (905) 455-9262 to find out which of these many options is best for you.

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