It’s What’s On the Inside That Counts
When we think about “dental health,” we are often most concerned with how our smile appears on the outside, such as how straight or white teeth are. But what about what is going on inside your teeth? This is where endodontics treatment comes in.
This form of treatment takes place in the root canal, the hollows within a tooth containing pulp (nerve tissue, blood vessels and other cells). Endodontic therapy involves complete removal of pulp from the root canal, which is then cleaned, shaped, decontaminated, and filled. Patients are often afraid of undergoing this procedure, however, as frightening as it sounds, the process is relatively painless.
Why do patients need endodontic treatment?
Deep decay of a tooth, repeated dental procedures, large fillings and a crack or chip, among other factors, can cause bacteria to enter the tooth and infect the pulp within. Once bacteria penetrates through root openings, the bone may also become infected, eventually weakening and breaking down.
When this occurs, the tooth may become loose or discolored. The sufferer will experience sensitivity when consuming hot or cold food and beverages, severe pain when chewing, and possible swelling or tenderness of the gums.
How does endodontic therapy help?
Without treating the infection, it will spread and eventually cause the tooth to fall out. Some patients prefer to have the tooth extracted to rid of the pain; however, this can cause the surrounding teeth to become crooked and affect the patient’s bite. In most cases, endodontic treatment prevents the tooth from falling out while eliminating pain.
In one or two visits, your dentist will effectively clear the pulp and reshape the canal for filing. The canal will then be sealed with biocompatible material. Finally, a crown will be applied over the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. The patient may experience some post-procedure sensitivity, but teeth that are treated in this fashion last as long or even longer than natural teeth.
Please contact our office today for more information on our endodontic treatment or to schedule an appointment.
This form of treatment takes place in the root canal, the hollows within a tooth containing pulp (nerve tissue, blood vessels and other cells). Endodontic therapy involves complete removal of pulp from the root canal, which is then cleaned, shaped, decontaminated, and filled. Patients are often afraid of undergoing this procedure, however, as frightening as it sounds, the process is relatively painless.
Why do patients need endodontic treatment?
Deep decay of a tooth, repeated dental procedures, large fillings and a crack or chip, among other factors, can cause bacteria to enter the tooth and infect the pulp within. Once bacteria penetrates through root openings, the bone may also become infected, eventually weakening and breaking down.
When this occurs, the tooth may become loose or discolored. The sufferer will experience sensitivity when consuming hot or cold food and beverages, severe pain when chewing, and possible swelling or tenderness of the gums.
How does endodontic therapy help?
Without treating the infection, it will spread and eventually cause the tooth to fall out. Some patients prefer to have the tooth extracted to rid of the pain; however, this can cause the surrounding teeth to become crooked and affect the patient’s bite. In most cases, endodontic treatment prevents the tooth from falling out while eliminating pain.
In one or two visits, your dentist will effectively clear the pulp and reshape the canal for filing. The canal will then be sealed with biocompatible material. Finally, a crown will be applied over the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. The patient may experience some post-procedure sensitivity, but teeth that are treated in this fashion last as long or even longer than natural teeth.
Please contact our office today for more information on our endodontic treatment or to schedule an appointment.
Courtesy of Medical News Today
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/142780.php