For most people, nothing’s more important than a bright, healthy smile. But when dental decay or infection reaches the innermost layer of your teeth, you might need professional dental care to save them. One solution every dentist recommends is root canal therapy.
Thanks to modern advancements in dental technology, root canal therapy is a safe, relatively painless procedure. It can often save your teeth from extraction and replacement. But how exactly can this procedure save your teeth? Here’s how:
It Prevents Infections
The first and most apparent way root canal therapy can save your teeth is by preventing infections. Every time a decay-causing bacteria enters your mouth, it puts your teeth at risk for infection and potential health problems.
If left untreated, the infection can quickly spread to the rest of your tooth, causing:
Swelling and Pain
The infection can cause severe swelling and pain in your teeth and jaw in the worst-case scenario. As a result, you’ll have difficulty chewing and speaking, and you may even experience a foul taste in your mouth.
Extensive Damage
If the infection spreads far enough, it can cause extensive damage to the tooth’s pulp, root, and bone. And that can lead to permanent tooth loss and even greater health problems.
Abscesses And Other Complications
Infected teeth can also lead to abscesses or the pockets of pus that form on the gums. They can be very painful and cause you to have a fever and facial cellulitis.
Jawbone Deterioration
Once the infection reaches the root of your tooth, it can begin to eat away at the jawbone that supports it. And over time, this can cause your teeth to become loose and eventually fall out.
It Prevents Bone Loss
If you need to have a tooth extracted, it’s not just the tooth that’s affected. The adjacent bone can also deteriorate, leading to extensive bone loss. You might not even realize it’s happening until it’s too late. But if you opt for root canal therapy instead, you can avoid this bone loss.
The therapy preserves the tooth, which also helps preserve the surrounding bone and make sure it stays healthy. However, it is a serious procedure, so consult with one of the best dentists from clinics such as Maylands Dental Centre to get the best treatment.
And if you’re like others who are scared of the dentist or have had bad experiences, don’t worry. Their dentists are skilled and will ensure that you’re comfortable during the procedure. With them, it’s a guarantee that you’ll have a painless and worry-free experience!
It Repairs The Damage
Aside from preventing infections, root canal therapy can also repair the damage that’s already been caused by the infection. Once the bacteria have been removed, your dentist cleans and seals the inside of your tooth. Doing that will prevent any future damage from occurring. But how can you know if your tooth is already damaged?
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, then it’s likely that your tooth is already damaged:
- Severe toothache or pain when chewing
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Discoloration of the tooth
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums
- A small, pimple-like bump on the gums
If you don’t want to lose a tooth, root canal therapy is definitely the way to go! Depending on the severity, you might still need to get a dental restoration like a crown, but root canal therapy can save your tooth from extraction.
It Removes The Diseased or Injured Pulp
The pulp is the innermost layer of your tooth, and it’s responsible for the tooth’s blood supply and nerve endings. Thus, if the pulp becomes diseased or injured, it can be excruciating. But why? Simply because the nerve endings are hypersensitive and can sense even the slightest change in temperature or pressure.
To remedy the situation, your dentist will remove the pulp during root canal therapy. Then a medicated dental sealant will be placed inside the tooth to prevent any future infection. It will help to eliminate the sensitivity and make your tooth more comfortable.
It Relieves Pain
Having a tooth infection can be incredibly painful. And in some cases, the pain can be so severe that it’s difficult to eat or sleep. But root canal therapy can quickly relieve the pain by:
- Relieving pressure on the nerves in the tooth
- Lessening the throbbing sensation
- Stopping the pain from spreading to other teeth
In most cases, you’ll feel much better immediately after the procedure. That’s because root canal therapy removes the source of the pain, allowing you to get some much-needed relief.
Conclusion
After knowing how root canal therapy can save your teeth, there’s no doubt that it’s one of the best dental procedures. From relieving pain to preventing tooth loss, it does it all!. So if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, don’t hesitate to consult with your dentist about getting root canal therapy. You won’t regret it!