When you have an infected or severely damaged tooth, a tooth extraction may seem the only option. However, endodontic therapy offers an alternative. It allows you to save your natural tooth and preserve your smile, avoiding the need for future tooth replacement. This procedure, commonly known as a root canal, is designed to remove infection, alleviate pain, and restore the tooth's function without the need for extraction.
Endodontic therapy is a specialized procedure focused on treating the inside of a tooth. The tooth has several layers, including the enamel, dentin, and pulp. The pulp is the innermost part of the tooth, containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes infected or damaged due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma, it can lead to severe pain and potentially tooth loss if left untreated.
Endodontic therapy is an essential procedure that helps patients maintain the appearance of their smile and everyday function. The process also eliminates the source of pain and preserves the natural tooth structure. According to the American Association of Endodontists, endodontic therapy has a high success rate of 97%. With the proper care, most teeth that have undergone endodontic therapy can last a lifetime without the need for future treatment.
Preserving natural teeth is always preferable to extraction for several reasons. First, natural teeth are stronger and more durable than any artificial replacement, such as bridges, implants, or dentures. They are naturally made to fit the patient's unique mouth shape and structure, ensuring optimal function and appearance. Extracting a tooth can lead to shifting the remaining teeth, changes in the patient's bite, and potential difficulties with chewing and speaking.
Endodontic therapy also helps maintain the integrity of the patient's jawbone. When a tooth is lost, the bone that once supported it deteriorates over time due to a process known as bone reabsorption. This can lead to a sunken appearance in the patient's facial structure and additional oral health problems. By saving the natural tooth, endodontic therapy helps keep the patient's jawbone intact, supporting their oral health and facial appearance.
During endodontic therapy, an endodontist will numb the affected tooth and surrounding tissues, ensuring a pain-free experience. Once the area is numb, the endodontist will use a dental drill to create an opening in the tooth. They can then carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp.
The interior of the tooth is then cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to prevent further infection. In many cases, the endodontist will also place a dental crown or filling to protect the tooth from damage. Root canals can make teeth more brittle and susceptible to damage.
Endodontic therapy is an effective treatment that can save your natural tooth, alleviate pain, and prevent future oral health issues. If you have been experiencing discomfort from an infected or damaged tooth, call our office to schedule an appointment. The Santa Rosa Endodontics team will work with you and determine if you would benefit from endodontic therapy.
Request an appointment here: https://santarosaendodontics.com or call Santa Rosa Endodontics at (707) 706-2143 for an appointment in our Santa Rosa office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Endodontic Surgery in Santa Rosa, CA.
Root canal treatment is often the first line of defense for treating teeth with compromised pulp chambers. The pulp chamber is the innermost layer of a tooth, and it stores nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. The chamber is sealed off from the rest of the tooth to protect it against bacteria and other irritants…
A root canal can preserve and strengthen a severely damaged or infected tooth. When seeing a root canal dentist, asking informed questions can provide clarity, ease concerns, and improve treatment outcomes. Understanding the procedure helps make the experience more comfortable and ensures you are well-prepared for each step.While each patient's situation is unique, the following…
A person might need to see an endodontist for a wide variety of problems, mainly relating to how they can save patients’ teeth. All endodontists are dentists because they have completed dental school, but they do two more years of specialized study in the techniques used to preserve a person’s dentition. So, if you are…
When a root canal fails, a root canal retreatment must happen. Getting a root canal treatment is better than a dental extraction. If an endodontist sees that your tooth still has good bone support and healthy gums under or around it, a root canal can save the tooth. A root canal is a less expensive…
There is no need to be apprehensive about a root canal appointment. Many people believe…
A root canal treats a tooth with an inflamed or infected pulp from deep decay,…
Endodontists have the knowledge to treat these abscesses, whether through surgical means or less-invasive options,…
Once you feel or see that something is wrong with an original root canal procedure,…
Tooth pain and dental trauma can be distressing and require immediate attention to prevent further…
In certain cases, these fractures can develop gradually due to chronic stress on the tooth…
