Before the advent of modern dentistry an injured or diseased tooth was typically pulled, but today a tooth can often be saved through endodontic treatment also known as root canal therapy. Endodontic therapy is a highly specialized branch of dentistry that deals specifically with treating diseases or injuries to the pulp of the tooth.
The pulp of a tooth is comprised of soft tissue inside the tooth and it contains blood vessels and nerves. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, root canal therapy is recommended in order to save the tooth.
How does the pulp become infected?
he most common causes of pulp infection are when a tooth has a very large cavity which allows the bacteria of your mouth to enter into the pulp of the tooth. The pulp can also become infected if a tooth becomes cracked or chipped or other serious injury occurs to the tooth. Additionally very large fillings also run the risk of introducing bacteria into the pulp.
Does the pulp have to be removed?
In the overwhelming majority of cases when the pulp becomes injured or infected the pulp must be removed or the tissues around the tooth become infected resulting in pain and swelling. Even when there is no pain, the bacteria will continue to damage the bone that secures the tooth to the bone of the jaw.
What does root canal therapy involve?
Root canal therapy is a tried and true restorative procedure and when properly restored, a tooth with a root canal filling and last for many years. See the video to learn how a root canal is performed.
Why not just have the tooth pulled?
An extraction is always an option however when a tooth is pulled instead of being repaired or replaced the adjoining teeth around it begin to shift. When the realignment of the teeth occurs it can also cause lead to unfavorable bite forces which can lead to fractures on other teeth as well as damage to the TMJ (temporomandibular joint). Additionally this shift can make it harder to clean your teeth and gums. Areas that are not cleaned well are more susceptible to decay and gum disease. See the video below for more details about the long term consequences that arise from the loss of a tooth.
When is root canal therapy not an option?
Root canal therapy helps save thousands of teeth everyday across the world however there are some instances when a tooth becomes non-restorable. Non-restorable teeth are that have decay extending to the root surface, when there is a lack of bone support or when a tooth has become fractured.
When a patient learns that a tooth is non-restorable and must be pulled they are then faced with the decision to replace that tooth. If you would like to learn more about tooth replacements click here to learn more about your options here: https://wvdental.com/2018/should-i-get-a-bridge-or-implant/
Are You Searching For A Martinsburg Area Dentist For You Or Your Family?
If you’re searching for an experienced dentist please feel free to contact us online or call our Martinsburg, West Virginia dental office directly at 304.267.6059 to schedule your appointment. We provide a wide range of general dentistry care as well as more involved dentistry services for patients throughout the Martinsburg area and look forward to you joining the Cornerstone Dental family.
