Patients who are scheduled for a root canal may wonder whether such a procedure is necessary. A root canal can save your natural tooth and prevent you from needing a replacement, such as a dental implant or denture. So, while you might not choose to get a root canal for fun, it is a useful service offered by a general dentist to ensure the long-term viability of your teeth following decay, injury, or infection.
Root canals entail using small drills to access the inside of a tooth, called the pulp chamber. The dentist removes the contents of the pulp chamber before filling the tooth with a new material and closing the entry hole. This process has numerous advantages that can mean a longer life for a patient's tooth.
In many cases, a root canal becomes necessary after decay has compromised the pulp chamber. If a cavity extends deep enough into the tooth, it can create a pathway through which bacteria can travel to reach the blood vessels and nerves inside the tooth.
When doing a root canal, the dentist removes the bacteria and closes off the access point to the interior of the tooth. This stops internal decay so the tooth can remain strong for years to come.
Once a tooth begins to weaken, it becomes vulnerable to decay, infection, cracking, and other issues. When a dentist opens the tooth and then empties and refills it, they strengthen its structure to prevent it from breaking during use.
The material inserted into the empty pulp chamber is called gutta-percha. This rubber-like material fills the entire space so the tooth is not hollow and brittle. This is how the tooth that has had a root canal can enjoy many more years of life without the patient worrying that it will crack during chewing or speaking.
A compromised pulp is a problem because it often causes soreness in the mouth and affects the patient’s overall health. Bacteria residing in the pulp chamber can no longer be brushed away, so they are free to populate and produce waste, which can lead to infection.
An infection inside a living tooth has access to that tooth’s blood vessels, which it can use to travel to other parts of the body through the circulatory system. Certain health issues, such as heart disease, can share a link with oral infections. Therefore, using a root canal to eliminate the infection and seal off the tooth can also preserve patients’ overall health.
If you need a root canal, the best time to get one is now. Waiting enables bacteria to potentially spread infection to other parts of the body, and the tooth might not survive the ordeal. Getting a root canal can allow you to keep your natural tooth for many more years, so contact our office to schedule your treatment today so we can save your tooth!
Request an appointment here: https://www.fairfaxdentalcenter.com or call Fairfax Dental Center at (703) 246-1507 for an appointment in our Fairfax office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Canal in Fairfax, VA.
If you have recently gotten braces from the family dentist, you will probably be aware of the hassles of cleaning them. The braces’ brackets are bonded to the tooth’s surface, limiting the reach of the toothbrush and making it harder to clean the teeth thoroughly. Nevertheless, you still need to keep the braces as it…
Whether a patient is new in town or simply trying to find a dentist who is accepting new patients, it is easy to maximize the chance of finding a great provider after looking in the right places. Strategies can include using the word-of-mouth approach, utilizing a dental database to find a licensed dentist, or simply…
Maintaining good overall health includes taking care of the teeth, but many people may find it difficult to find a dentist whose office hours and available services match a busy lifestyle. This is a common problem; however, those who work long hours, care for children full time, and have many daily commitments can still take…
When a toothache occurs, the resulting pain can seem overwhelming, and it is important to find a dentist who can help right away. A toothache may signal a cavity or decay that affects the tooth’s nerves to cause a dull or throbbing pain. Those who do not have a regular dentist should find one quickly…