This Treatment Could Save Your Tooth!
One of my main goals as a dentist is to ensure you have a healthy mouth, and I do everything I can to help you keep your natural teeth. Our teeth are designed to last a lifetime, but when they are not cared for properly or treatment is avoided, it can lead to the discussion of extraction and tooth replacement options. Before a tooth extraction, there is one more treatment that can save your natural tooth — root canal therapy. This treatment gets a bad reputation, and we want to set the record straight on root canals. Read on to learn more.
Why Do We Recommend Root Canal Therapy?
Every tooth is composed of multiple layers. The outer layer of a tooth is known as the tooth enamel. The inside layer of the tooth is the pulp. When a tooth is affected by decay, that decay will begin to eat away at the enamel. If a treatment recommendation is ignored or the decay is not detected in a timely fashion, it will continue to move through the tooth until it reaches the inside of the tooth. We may recommend a root canal when the pulp of a tooth is infected.
Because my practice focuses more on holistic treatment options, it is important to mention that root canal therapy may not be beneficial for every patient. Dr. Brad and I will always discuss your options and the risks and benefits of each choice. We want to perform the treatment that is best for your oral health needs as well as your overall health.
What to Know About Treatment
The treatment for a root canal is similar to a filling, just more involved. The process of a root canal involves opening the tooth and removing the infected pulp. The root canal system is then thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, a filling is placed into the tooth root, and the area is sealed shut. The severity of the decay will determine if a tooth replacement, such as a dental crown, is needed. Patients do not normally experience any discomfort during the procedure. In fact, many patients comment that their discomfort from the damaged tooth is gone after treatment.
If you are experiencing discomfort in your mouth or we recommended a root canal or other treatment, be sure to contact our office located in Fort Lee, NJ to schedule an appointment. Delaying a root canal or other treatment can lead to serious oral health complications and the need for additional measures, such as a tooth extraction. We want to help get your oral health back on track!
