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In the past, if you had a tooth with a diseased or infected nerve, you would probably lose that tooth to extraction. Luckily, with today's advancements in dentistry a special procedure called root canal therapy can help save your infected tooth. Many people cringe at the idea of root canal therapy, but there is no need to fear this procedure. Root canal therapy is used to eliminate the infection and pain. Inside each tooth is the pulp, which provides nutrients and nerves to the tooth and runs down through the root of the tooth. Most of the time, root canal therapy is a simple procedure with little to no discomfort. Best of all, root canal therapy can help save your tooth and keep you smiling for longer. When is Root Canal Therapy Needed? Root canal therapy is needed for two main reasons: infection and damage to the pulp that can't be fixed. An untreated cavity is a common source for pulp damage. The decay erodes the enamel and dentin of the tooth until it reaches the root canal. Once it reaches the root canal this paves way for bacteria to infect the pulp. Antibiotics can't get to infections that are inside the teeth, and inflammation that is caused by the infection reduces the blood supply to the tooth, which prevents the pulp from healing properly. A fractured tooth or trauma to a tooth can damage the pulp, causing infection. Several restorations can also damage the pulp, such as several fillings that are placed in the same tooth over a period of time. Sometimes, even a simple preparation for a crown can hurt the pulp. When the pulp is inflamed but not infected, it may heal on its own. An infection in the pulp can affect the bone around the tooth and can cause an abscess to form. The Root Canal Therapy Procedure Root canal therapy involves one to three visits in which your dentist removes the diseased pulp, cleans the pulp chamber and places a crown or other restoration. The first stage of root canal therapy is to thoroughly clean the damaged parts of your tooth and once the pulp chamber is exposed, more anesthetic may be applied directly onto the tooth's nerve to prevent any more discomfort and pain from occurring. Next, your dentist will remove the affected tissue located in the pulp chamber and eliminate any nerve tissue that remains in the root canals. Once everything has been cleaned and the infected tissue removed, your root canal will be slightly widened and your pulp chamber straightened which will help to prepare it to be filled. The inside of the tooth is thoroughly disinfected before being filled. In the final step, a crown is typically placed over the tooth to restore its natural shape and appearance. If the tooth is severely broken down, a post may be used to build it up before placing the crown. Your treated and restored teeth can last a lifetime with proper care. Your dentist in Garfield Ridge will advise you on proper maintenance to allow for a long-lasting restoration. If you suspect that your tooth is infected or are experiencing pain, contact your dentist today for further examination and diagnosis.
Sean Hartmen writes for Garfield Ridge dentists, Drs. Kyle Takla, Teresa Terez and Hetal Patel. These experienced dentists offer a wide variety of dental services including, emergency dental care, Invisalign, teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry and root canals in Garfield Ridge.
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