Root Canal Therapy
Do you have a severely damaged or infected tooth? To stop your discomfort and to restore its health, root canal therapy is often your best option. Although the procedure has a bad reputation for being painful, you have nothing to fear. New advancements in dentistry now make it no worse than a traditional dental filling. At Parker Dental & Orthodontics, we commonly provide the treatment to prevent the need for a tooth extraction. Using the best dental technologies and procedures, we will rehabilitate the health and function of your tooth to restore your smile.
Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction
If a root canal has recently been recommended, your first thought may be to have the tooth extracted to eliminate the problem. While it may seem like the easy solution, it will cause long-term complications.
Every tooth in your mouth has an important role. When even one is missing, it will limit your oral functions, making it difficult to chew and speak. You will need an effective form of tooth replacement or the empty space will impact your quality of life. In addition, your oral health will be compromised as well.
Tooth loss will cause you to lose density in your jawbone, increasing your risk for additional missing in the future. Whenever possible, it is always better to save a tooth from needing to be removed with a root canal.
Repair Your Damaged Tooth
Your tooth is composed of three main layers. The hard-outer layer, known as the enamel, protects the inner layers. Underneath the enamel is the dentin, which contains millions of tubes that lead to the inner most layer, known as the pulp. The pulp contains the nerve tissues and blood vessels.
When a cavity or fracture in the tooth extends past the enamel and dentin, it can lead to significant pain as the pulp can become exposed and infected. If not treated quickly, the infection can damage surrounding tissues and enter the bloodstream.
A root canal involves removing the areas of damage from the enamel and dentin. In addition, the pulp will also be extracted. While the pulp is necessary when your tooth is still forming, it can survive without it after it has properly developed.
After the pulp has been removed, the tooth is then sterilized and sealed using a special material known as gutta-percha. Now, the tooth is once again healthy, allowing it to stay in place. To restore its health and function, a custom-made dental crown will be placed over it. It will be made to look like a natural tooth to blend in seamlessly with your remaining teeth while providing an extra layer of protection.
Benefit from a Root Canal Today
If you have a severely damaged tooth, do not have it extracted. Instead, restore its health with a root canal. If you are concerned about pain, discomfort, or anxiety during the procedure, we offer sedation dentistry to help you relax.
If you need a root canal, do not wait until it is too late. Contact Parker Dental & Orthodontics today to schedule a consultation.