Ooltewah, TN Root Canal Therapy
What is a Root Canal?
Dentists use the
term “root canal” in referring to the tiny, narrow passageways
that branch from a central, hollow space in your tooth (called the
pulp chamber) down to the ends of the tooth roots. The term can also
be used as a shorthand for “root canal treatment” — that is,
the procedure used to save the tooth if the soft tissue deep inside
of it (called pulp) becomes acutely inflamed or infected.
Top Five Benefits of Root Canals
1. It Will Relieve Your Pain
The most common symptom that may indicate the need for root canal treatment is a toothache. The pain may affect your ability to enjoy a good night's sleep. Root canal treatment will alleviate your tooth pain and improve your well-being.
2. It Is Virtually Pain-Free
Root canals are nothing to be afraid of. People fear root canal treatments because they assume they are painful. Local anesthesia is very effective in blocking pain during a root canal procedure. Most patients report that the procedure itself is no more painful than having a dental filling placed.
3. It Prevents Tooth Loss
In the past, diseased or injured teeth had to be removed. Today, they can usually be saved through root canal treatment. Without treatment, the tooth may have to be extracted. Saving your natural tooth is the best option.
4. It Restores Tooth Function
Because a tooth that needs root canal treatment is often one that has extensive decay, a permanent crown usually needs to be placed on the tooth to strengthen it and restore it to full function. A crown can improve your speech and help you chew better.
5. It Has a High Success Rate
Root canal treatment
has a success rate of over 90%. And if you take good care of it, your
restored tooth could last a lifetime.
Is There An Alternative To Having A Root Canal?
You could have the
whole tooth extracted, but it's always better to try to save it —
especially since root canal treatment is routine and has a very high
success rate (over 90%). Saving the tooth can prevent other troubles
from occurring later on; these could include bite problems from teeth
shifting position, difficulty eating, and loss of jawbone volume and
density.
What Will Happen Afterwards?
Your tooth may feel
sensitive for a few days, but any discomfort can usually be relieved
with over-the-counter pain medication or anti-inflammatories like
ibuprofen. You will be instructed to avoid chewing on that tooth
until it receives its permanent filling, which can be placed a few
days later. Depending on how damaged the tooth was to begin with, it
may need a full-coverage crown. Those options will be discussed with
you.
How Can I Avoid the Need For A Root Canal In the Future?
Keep your teeth
decay-free by brushing and flossing every day. Eat a healthy diet low
in sugar and avoid acidic beverages such as soda. Have regular
professional cleanings and exams. And if you're active in sports,
consider ordering a custom-made mouth guard to protect your teeth
from injury.