When tooth decay progresses to a certain point, a simple filling will not be enough to halt the infection. The inner portion of a tooth, called the pulp, consists of blood vessels, nerves, and other material that, when decay progresses to the point that it infects this material, the only real option available is a root canal. If so, you should ask Dr. Jeff Martin, Dr. William Taylor and the team at Martin Taylor Dentistry in Tucson, AZ offer safe root canal treatment.
The dental community considers a root canal to be a safe procedure that can help save your tooth when decay has penetrated the inner tissue and nerves. Let us look at what a root canal is as well as to what some of the benefits and potential negative aspects of a root canal are.
When tooth decay has penetrated the pulp (the tissue and nerves of the inner tooth) and root of a tooth, a root canal may be the recommended course of action. A root canal procedure is determined necessary when the inner pulp of the tooth has become infected and needs to be removed. The healthy tissue is then disinfected before being sealed and, in most cases, topped with a crown. A root canal is intended to preserve the remaining healthy tissue of the tooth so that it does not have to be extracted.
What happens to unattended root canals?
If you leave an infected tooth untreated, it will result in pain, extreme sensitivity to heat and cold, discoloration of the tooth, swelling and spread of infection to other areas of the body. Leaving a tooth untreated is how you get abscesses.
Just know that teeth infections and abscesses do not only affect your teeth and mouth. They have negative effects on your whole body.
Are there any alternative options to root canals?
Once the pulp is irreversibly inflamed or infected, the only alternative to root canal therapy is extracting the tooth.
The extracted tooth must be replaced by either an implant or a bridge to prevent the remaining teeth from shifting and to maintain proper chewing function.
Whatever you choose to do, we at Martin Tayor Dentistry are skilled and experienced at getting it done.
Is the root canal procedure painful?
Contrary to what you hear, root canals are not a painful experience. We at Martin Taylor Dentistry will use local anesthesia to eliminate discomfort and pain.
If you need a root canal done or have questions about it, call us at Martin Taylor Dentistry.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
At Martin Taylor Dentistry, we have done many root canals. A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed. This simple treatment can be done to save your natural teeth.
We have excellent replacement options for unsavable teeth. However, nothing replaces the tooth like the tooth itself.
When is a root canal needed?
In the middle of the tooth is a space called the pulp. This pulp is filled with blood vessels and nerves.
Infection of the pulp can be caused by trauma, a deep cavity, cracks, chips, or repeated dental procedures on a tooth.
Symptoms of the infection can be seen as a dark cavity, swelling around the tooth, the tooth being sensitive to temperature, or pain in the tooth and gums.
A root canal treatment may be needed in such instances.
What is the root canal treatment process?
We at Martin Taylor Dentistry remove the inflamed or infected pulp tissue in the middle of the tooth during a root canal.
Dr. Jeff Martin or Dr. William Taylor will carefully clean out and shape the inside of the tooth. We will then fill and seal the space.
Afterward, we will place a crown or filling on the tooth to protect and restore it to normal.
You will then return to us in 3 weeks to place the permanent white crown on the tooth. After restoring it, the tooth continues to function like any other tooth.
If you need a root canal done or have questions about it, call us at Martin Taylor Dentistry.
The simple fact is that when a tooth has decayed to the point where it needs a root canal, there are not really many options available. You can elect for a root canal or the tooth may need to be extracted, which will lead to further cost as a replacement will be needed so that associated health risks (including teeth shifting and loss of jawbone) can be avoided. Root canals have been proven to be safe. Here is why:
If you are in the Tucson, AZ area, call Martin Taylor Dentistry at (520) 600-6925 for an appointment.