Proper dental health is paramount to the well-being of an individual, and having natural teeth helps in accomplishing that. Root canal therapy is an important dental treatment that can keep a vulnerable or infected tooth from being extracted and help protect your smile. In this blog post, we will learn about the importance of this treatment in saving your tooth as explained by a dentist in Richmond Hill, Ontario.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy also referred to as endodontic treatment, is used when the nerve inside a tooth has been affected by decay or infection. The pulp is a soft tissue that consists of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Once this pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to decay, cracks in the teeth or traumatic injury pain and a local abscess follow suit. In root canal therapy, the pulp is removed.
The Root Canal Procedure
When you’re at the dentist, they will take X-rays and diagnose how deep your infection is. Since local anesthesia has been applied pain is not something you fear of. A small hole is made in the crown to gain access to the pulp chamber and root canals. Then the infected or damaged pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned out of all bacteria. The canals are filled with gutta-percha a biocompatible material after they have been thoroughly cleaned. A temporary or permanent filling is put in place to seal the access opening from potential contamination. The tooth is likely to need a crown, depending on the extent of strength, function, and appearance that needs restoring. This step is vital for preserving the tooth that has been treated and it will guarantee its lasting success.
Advantages of Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment has many advantages, and that is why people choose to retain their natural teeth:
1. Preserving Natural Teeth
Arguably the most important benefit associated with root canal therapy is that your natural tooth remains intact. Your natural teeth are critical to function properly to chew, speak, and maintain bone levels. It prevents the shifting of neighboring teeth (which may cause bite problems).
2. Preventing Tooth Loss
It prevents tooth loss by providing root canal therapy before your tooth rots and has to be extracted. If left untreated, it can lead to further complications such as difficulty chewing, distorting the facial region, or requiring more extensive and expensive dental treatments in the form of implants or bridges.
3. Eliminating Infection
During root canal therapy, the source of infection is removed by recovering (cleaning), disinfecting, and sealing diseased pulp so that it stops infecting adjacent tissues. You can nip many problems in the bud before they develop into abscesses, bone loss, or more severe health concerns with proper preventive oral care.
4. Relieving Pain and Discomfort
Unbearable toothache due to pulp infection can put one`s life on pause. Root canal therapy can ease this pain by treating the problem at its source, leaving you free of sharp or constant discomfort and able to continue with daily activities.
Root canal therapy is a dental procedure crucial in saving the natural tooth from more harm and restoring your oral health. Knowing its importance and benefits will certainly help you get the most out of it in your Richmond Hill, Ontario dental care. If you develop symptoms of a tooth affected by this problem, consult with an experienced dentist right away to save your smile and protect good dental health. Root canal therapy will provide you with a smile that is not only healthy but strong and beautiful for many years to come.