All dentists agree that a root canal is a great way to save permanent teeth. Regardless if the underlying problem is a chipped, fractured or decayed tooth, it is essential to save it if possible. Otherwise, another set of problems could surface. If you suffer from tooth pain, talk to your dentist about having this procedure done.
What is a root canal?
Referred to as an endodontic treatment in the world of dentistry, a root canal is common. With this, a dentist or endodontist removes pulp located inside a diseased or seriously damaged tooth. They then clean the area, disinfect it and reshape the root canal. When completed, a crown is typically applied on top of the permanent tooth. Not only does this procedure give the patient much-needed pain relief, but it also protects the surrounding teeth from severe strain or wear.Why save permanent teeth?
With a root canal, the patient’s tooth remains intact. That is one reason why this treatment is highly recommended. Often, a person begins to experience pain caused by an infection in the involved tooth. As long as there is no extensive damage, the dentist would likely recommend this procedure. The other option is to provide the patient with a bridge or dentures. However, the goal is always to save the permanent tooth if possible. A patient would benefit from this in several ways compared to getting a dental implant. As an example, the individual could continue chewing normally. That means still enjoying all their favorite foods without any discomfort or slippage that sometimes occurs when wearing dentures. Another reason a dentist or endodontist would recommend a root canal to save a patient’s permanent tooth is that there are no gaps left behind. In other words, a dental implant does not always fill the void space completely. That can lead to both bone loss and collapse. It can also cause the surrounding teeth to shift. With a root canal, there is no concern of this happening. There is even an aesthetic reason for saving permanent teeth. Obviously, extractions leave big open areas in a person’s mouth. Depending on how a person smiles, a void area may show. Even if no one can see the gaps, the individual would have a hard time chewing. By leaving the permanent teeth in place, an individual can grin from ear to ear without feeling self-conscious.Additional reasons to save permanent teeth
Choosing root canal as a way to save a permanent tooth is a healthier approach. Ultimately, this decreases the odds of developing an infection compared to having the tooth pulled. The concern is that after an extraction, any infection could spread through the person’s bloodstream. One other thing to think about is that doing a root canal to save a permanent tooth is not really painful. For this procedure, the dentist or endodontist numbs the gum area. That entails only a few small injections that cause little discomfort. Throughout the entire procedure, the patient feels nothing. Even after having the procedure done, most people experience very little pain.Save your tooth
If you start to experience pain in a specific tooth, there is a good chance that you would end up needing a root canal. However, your dentist will make that call after doing an examination and taking digital X-rays. Only in a rare instance would they suggest extracting your tooth. As soon as you suspect a problem, seek professional care. Request an appointment here: https://whitingdentalarts.com or call Whiting Dental Arts at (781) 595-0596 for an appointment in our Swampscott office.Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.