Root Canal
A root canal is one of the most helpful restoration procedures in dentistry when it comes to saving a tooth. Our team at Amherst Village Dental can provide you with a variety of options for your oral health, and root canal treatments are one of the services that we provide.
The Root Canal Process
The root canal occurs when the pulp – the center of the tooth – is damaged. Damages that have reached this level are very painful for the patient, as the pulp contains nerves and is sensitive. The pulp can not be repaired when it is damaged, so it must be extracted. The tooth does not require the pulp to survive because it can live off the surrounding tissue. A root canal extracts the pulp from the tooth and fills the area with gutta-percha, a rubber-like filling that restores the tooth’s structural integrity. After the tooth is repaired, it is not as strong as it was before. Teeth that have undergone root canals are typically fitted with crowns. The surgery takes an average of an hour, and the patient does not feel any discomfort or pain at all due to the local anesthesia.
Longevity Of Root Canals
Following a root canal procedure, a crown is optional, but it is highly recommended to prolong the longevity of the tooth. A tooth is likely to last up to 15 years with a dental crown if properly treated. Choosing to have a crown may seem like an extra expense that isn’t necessary, but it can save a patient from the headache of a damaged tooth later on which can result in repairs that are more costly than a crown would have been.
Benefits Of Root Canals
Root canal treatment is less discomforting and painful than undergoing a tooth extraction. Also, root canal treatments are often less expensive than tooth extractions. Crowns can be a more natural-looking replacement than options such as dentures – especially when the crown is made from a material such as porcelain. Root canal treatment stops the infection at the root, protecting both the tooth and its neighboring teeth and gums. Finally, root canal treatment can increase the patient’s overall health by preventing or stopping the bacteria inside the tooth from spreading to the rest of the body.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you have problems with your teeth in any way, our team wants to help you receive the treatment you need to take care of the issue. Identifying dental problems as soon as possible will help prevent them from turning into major problems later on in life. If you would like to arrange an appointment with our professionals at Amherst Village Dental, please contact our office at 603-769-8985.