Damaged or Infected Teeth Can Be Saved!

If you have a tooth that has been severely damaged or is seriously infected, you may be worried that the tooth will be lost. This doesn’t have to be your outcome, however. Many times, teeth in distress can be saved! This treatment has allowed millions of people to avoid an extraction and instead, restore their teeth. We are talking about root canal therapy.

Today’s methods and technology have made the root canal procedure commonplace. How does root canal therapy relieve your pain and save your smile?

Trauma and infection can affect the pulp inside the protective layers of enamel and dentin in your tooth. The pulp contains nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. When it becomes irritated or inflamed, it can cause pain and sensitivity in the tooth. Fortunately, a fully developed, or permanent, tooth doesn’t need the pulp to survive. The tooth can get the nourishment it requires from surrounding tissue. To relieve the pain and save the tooth, a root canal procedure is done to remove the damaged pulp.

It’s a multi-step process. After examining X-rays to assess the situation, an opening is created in the top of the affected tooth. The infected pulp is then removed from inside the cavity, and if necessary, the cavity is reshaped. Next, the area is thoroughly cleaned and, if required, treated with an antibiotic. When it is clean and dry, the cavity is filled with a rubber-like material and the opening at the top of the tooth is covered — typically with a temporary crown or filling. On a subsequent visit, the permanent crown or restorative treatment will be applied. Depending on the severity of the infection, you may have another follow up later to make sure the infection has completely cleared. If the infection has spread to the bone or the treated tooth isn’t stable enough, a post may be placed in the root canal for support.

You’ll be given an anaesthetic, so the procedure is relatively painless and can typically be done in one or two appointments. Your tooth may feel a little different or be a little sensitive for a few days afterwards.

As with many oral health issues, prevention is the best course of action. As soon as you notice tooth sensitivity or pain, don’t wait! Call us to schedule a checkup to determine the status of your tooth. It may seem like a drastic measure, but root canal therapy can save a tooth that may otherwise be lost and preserving your natural teeth whenever possible is our goal.

If you are in the Cameron Park, California area, call us at Country Club Dental with any questions or to schedule an appointment today to find out how we can help with your dental issues.