Did you know that dentists and endodontists perform over 15 million root canal therapy procedures every single year? A root canal involves drilling out the canals of your tooth, removing other damaged tissue, filling them, and then placing a protective crown on top to save the tooth.
Would you like to learn how you may benefit from root canal therapy? Here are some of the main reasons that patients may opt for this type of procedure.
Save the Remaining Tooth
If your tooth is starting to crack and you experience dental pain because of it, then a root canal may be the right option for you. When a tooth becomes weak, it is more prone to infection and decay.
Your endodontist may recommend root canal therapy so that they can clean out the decay and strengthen the tooth by placing a permanent dental crown on top of it.
Reduce Pain and Sensitivity
If you experience pain and sensitivity in your tooth, it could be due to infected pulp that is also inflamed. Inflamed pulp, also known as pulpitis, is a sign of major tissue damage and you will most likely need a root canal to stop the infection. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue, which help grow the root of your tooth during its development.
A root canal does more than a dental filling will, in that it cleans out the inflamed pulp and deep decay. A fully developed tooth can survive without the pulp because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.
Restore the Appearance of Your Tooth
Another reason root canal therapy may be a good option is if you have a cracked or chipped tooth. Damaged teeth often expose the nerves and can lead to further decay, which may warrant root canal therapy in the future.
If a dentist performs a root canal on the damaged tooth, then places a permanent crown on top, it is much less likely that the tooth will need more serious intervention in the future. This can end up saving the patient quite a bit of money in the long run.
Avoid Further Infection
Infected pulp can lead to major problems down the road, so it is best to treat it as soon as your dentist sees it. Root canal therapy will remove the infected and inflamed pulp and prevent the infection from spreading further.
If a tooth infection spreads far enough, it can actually kill you by getting to your heart or brain. With a root canal, the infected area will be thoroughly cleaned and treated, and you may also get a prescription for antibiotics.
Root Canal Therapy Can Be Effective
You should not have to worry about more pain or infection when you go to the dentist. With root canal therapy, you may be able to fix your problems and your tooth will feel much more comfortable afterward.
Want to learn more about root canal therapy and some of your other dental options? Contact us today for answers to all of your questions, or to set up an appointment.
