Root canal therapy
Endodontics (often referred to as root canal therapy) is the area of dentistry dealing with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders of the dental pulp. This treatment is designed to save diseased or injured teeth.
Dentists will help you maintain your natural teeth for as long as it’s feasible for the simple reason your natural teeth are the best thing for your oral health. Which is why root canal therapy is carried out.
When is root canal therapy necessary?
Root canal therapy is necessary when the nerve of a tooth (or pulp) becomes diseased or infected. In such cases the nerve of the tooth must be removed. If a patient’s tooth pulp becomes irritated, bacteria will begin to grow within the tooth. This growth results in pressure and causes pain as well as possible facial swelling to the patient. If root canal therapy is not performed eventually bacteria will destroy the pulp. The bone structure around the tooth will then become infected and will inevitably lead to tooth loss. Previously, if a tooth became infected or diseased it would have simply been removed. Today however, every possible step is taken to save all teeth and enabling you to keep your natural teeth for life.
Do you need root canal therapy?
To determine if root canal therapy is necessary, x-rays would be taken at your dental consultation after which point, a series of appointments would be assigned to you for your root canal therapy. You only need the pulp of your tooth while it is erupting. Once your tooth has come through, the pulp is no longer strictly necessary for the survival of the tooth. Which is why it’s okay to remove all the pulp and the nerves – if necessary – from your tooth.
Throughout your root canal treatment, the team at Coastal Dental Care will ensure every possible step is taken to make you feel comfortable and at ease. We will make certain all of your questions and queries are answered and that we work together as a team to preserve your teeth.
Depending on the severity of your treatment, your tooth may require a dental crown, which will help to maintain the strength and structure of your tooth. Generally, your dentist will recommend this extra restorative work once they know how much needs to be carried out on the tooth to save it.