Can a Root Canal Procedure Save My Tooth?

Are you experiencing tooth pain that just won't go away? It's time to delve into the world of root canals and discover how this procedure could potentially save your precious pearly whites!

What Is a Root Canal Procedure?

A root canal procedure, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental treatment performed to save a severely damaged or infected tooth. It involves removing the pulp, nerves, and bacteria from the inside of the tooth's root canals.

How Is Root Canal Performed?

Root canal procedures are often misunderstood and can invoke feelings of fear or anxiety in patients. However, understanding how a root canal is performed can help alleviate some of those concerns. The first step in a root canal procedure is to numb the area around the affected tooth using local anesthesia. This ensures that you won't feel any pain during the treatment. Once you're comfortably numb, your dentist will create a small access hole in the tooth's surface to reach the infected pulp inside.

Next, using specialized tools, the dentist will carefully remove all the diseased or damaged pulp from inside the tooth's root canals. This process may take some time as it requires precision and attention to detail. Once all traces of infection have been cleared out, your dentist will thoroughly clean and disinfect the canals to ensure no bacteria remain. After cleaning, they will fill these spaces with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha.

To strengthen and protect the treated tooth from further damage, your dentist may recommend placing a dental crown over it. This helps restore its function and appearance while preventing reinfection.

What Are the Benefits of Root Canal?

• One major benefit is that it helps to alleviate tooth pain. When the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected or inflamed, it can cause intense pain that affects not only the affected tooth but also your surrounding teeth and gums. By removing the infected pulp and cleaning out the root canal system, a root canal procedure effectively eliminates this source of pain.
• Another advantage is that by saving your natural tooth, you avoid the need for extraction or replacement with an artificial tooth. Losing a permanent tooth can lead to problems such as shifting teeth, bite issues, and bone loss in the jaw. With a successful root canal treatment, you can keep your original tooth intact and maintain proper alignment in your mouth.
• Furthermore, undergoing a root canal procedure helps prevent further infection from spreading throughout your mouth. If left untreated, an infected pulp can lead to abscess formation, which poses serious health risks beyond dental problems alone. By removing the infection through a root canal treatment, you reduce the chances of complications arising from spreading bacteria.
• In addition to these immediate benefits, a successful root canal allows you to continue enjoying all types of food without any limitations or discomfort caused by sensitivity or pain in the affected area.
• Moreover, root canals have long-term cost advantages as they help preserve natural teeth, which reduces expenses related to extractions and replacements like dental implants or bridges.
• By addressing oral health issues promptly through a root canal procedure, you contribute towards maintaining good overall well-being since poor dental hygiene has been linked to various systemic diseases, including heart disease and diabetes.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Pham at Silver Summit Dental by calling us at (801) 542-0998 or visiting our office at 5734 13400 S, Herriman, UT, 84096.