Root Canals
It used to be that patients with diseased or infected teeth would lose them via extraction. However, thanks to advances in medical and dental technologies, root canal therapy can save teeth.
Root canals may be needed for a variety of reasons. Deep cavities that have reached the dental pulp inside of the tooth can cause infection, pain, and discomfort and may require that a root canal be performed to remove the infected tissue. A fracture that has reached the dental pulp may also cause concerns and a need for root canal therapy. Abscesses and other problems may require that Dr. Kotecha and her associates consider root canal therapy before extracting a tooth.
Dr. Kotecha and her associates first examine the tooth to determine if root canal therapy would help. An appointment is scheduled, and a patient is properly sedated and anesthetized for their treatment. A hole is made on the top of the tooth to allow access to the inner portion in which the dental pulp is housed. The pulp is removed, which also removes the nerves, tissues, and the blood supply of the tooth. The inner canals are thoroughly cleansed, treated, filled, and sealed. Because the blood supply has been removed from the tooth, it can become weak and brittle over time. This may require the placement of a dental crown to strengthen and protect the tooth, especially for teeth near the back of the mouth that experience stronger biting forces.
Root canal therapy is a very common procedure. It has a reputation of being undesirable and painful, but when done properly, it is actually painless. Every tooth in your mouth is composed of a crown and a root. When a cavity or bacteria penetrates the tooth, the root and its nerves become irritated. As a result, the bacteria within the pulp cavity needs to be removed and cleaned in order to restore the tooth to its healthy state. Following the procedure, the tooth is fragile and consequently is restored with a natural crown for a lifetime of durability. Root canals have a success rate of 95 percent or greater. Most root canals are diagnosed by patients’ sensitivities to a specific tooth. Be sure to consult your dentist if any symptoms or discomfort occur.
Taking good care of the teeth is the best way to avoid the need for root canal therapy. However, there are times in which specific situations are outside of a patient’s control. Dr. Kotecha and her associates provide root canal therapy and other treatments for patients who need unexpected dental work.
Do you want to learn more about root canal therapy? Contact Dr. Kotecha and her associates of Dentistry On 10 today and find out when root canal therapy is necessary.
