When you have an infected or severely damaged tooth, a tooth extraction may seem the only option. However, endodontic therapy offers an alternative. It allows you to save your natural tooth and preserve your smile, avoiding the need for future tooth replacement. This procedure, commonly known as a root canal, is designed to remove infection, alleviate pain, and restore the tooth's function without the need for extraction.
Endodontic therapy is a specialized procedure focused on treating the inside of a tooth. The tooth has several layers, including the enamel, dentin, and pulp. The pulp is the innermost part of the tooth, containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes infected or damaged due to deep decay, cracks, or trauma, it can lead to severe pain and potentially tooth loss if left untreated.
Endodontic therapy is an essential procedure that helps patients maintain the appearance of their smile and everyday function. The process also eliminates the source of pain and preserves the natural tooth structure. According to the American Association of Endodontists, endodontic therapy has a high success rate of 97%. With the proper care, most teeth that have undergone endodontic therapy can last a lifetime without the need for future treatment.
Preserving natural teeth is always preferable to extraction for several reasons. First, natural teeth are stronger and more durable than any artificial replacement, such as bridges, implants, or dentures. They are naturally made to fit the patient's unique mouth shape and structure, ensuring optimal function and appearance. Extracting a tooth can lead to shifting the remaining teeth, changes in the patient's bite, and potential difficulties with chewing and speaking.
Endodontic therapy also helps maintain the integrity of the patient's jawbone. When a tooth is lost, the bone that once supported it deteriorates over time due to a process known as bone reabsorption. This can lead to a sunken appearance in the patient's facial structure and additional oral health problems. By saving the natural tooth, endodontic therapy helps keep the patient's jawbone intact, supporting their oral health and facial appearance.
During endodontic therapy, an endodontist will numb the affected tooth and surrounding tissues, ensuring a pain-free experience. Once the area is numb, the endodontist will use a dental drill to create an opening in the tooth. They can then carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp.
The interior of the tooth is then cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to prevent further infection. In many cases, the endodontist will also place a dental crown or filling to protect the tooth from damage. Root canals can make teeth more brittle and susceptible to damage.
Endodontic therapy is an effective treatment that can save your natural tooth, alleviate pain, and prevent future oral health issues. If you have been experiencing discomfort from an infected or damaged tooth, call our office to schedule an appointment. The Sheats Endodontic Group team will work with you and determine if you would benefit from endodontic therapy.
Request an appointment here: https://www.sheats-endo.com or call Sheats Endodontic Group at (615) 526-2495 for an appointment in our Nashville office.
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