Is Root Canal Therapy the Best Way to Save a Tooth ?

For many patients, the last thing they want to be told at the dentist is that they need a root canal.

In fact, thanks to its past reputation as a painful and barbaric procedure, the majority of people would rather do anything than have root canal work done.

But the reality is this - root canals have come a long way. Years of advancements in dentistry have taken the procedure from a horrific experience to a relatively simple one - the vast majority of root canals performed today cause only minor discomfort.

Not only are they now a relatively painless procedure, but getting them done can actually prevent a whole lot of pain and suffering down the road.

So if you find yourself in a position where you might need root canal treatment in Oshawa, this is everything you need to know about how they work - and how they can save your teeth.

What Are Some Reasons For A Root Canal?

Your teeth are made up of a number of different layers and components. These layers are designed to protect the innermost layer, known as the pulp.

Over time, however, damage to the outside of the teeth can result in damage to the pulp, including bacterial infections and inflammation. Often this is the results of cracked teeth or cavities which have penetrated deep into the tooth.

What Can I Expect During A Root Canal?

Once the pulp becomes infected or inflamed, it’s absolutely critical that the infected tissue be removed. A root canal is essentially designed to do just that, removing this tissue from the inside of the tooth.

During a root canal procedure, a dentist near you will give you a local anesthetic. They’ll then make a small opening in the crown of the tooth. This opening is made so that a small cleaning instrument can be inserted.

From there, they’ll use these instruments to clean the pulp and remove the infected tissue. This empty space is then filled in with a biocompatible material.

Why Your Real Teeth Are Still The Best Option

The result of a root canal procedure is the removal of infected tissue, (often) the end of pain and discomfort and, ultimately, a saved tooth.  

Deterioration of the teeth over a lifetime is a common occurrence. There’s a lot that can be done to slow down this process, treat problems and maintain the integrity of the tooth.  

However, once the pulp becomes infected, the only options your dentist has are to either go ahead with endodontic treatments like a root canal or to go ahead and remove the tooth entirely.

In most cases, the root canal is by far the better option of the two when it’s feasible. While they may result in your dentist needing to place a crown over the treated tooth, an extracted tooth will require much more extensive (and expensive) work to replace.  

This includes treatments options like dental bridges or implants, both of which can cost several thousands of dollars depending on the extent of the work that needs to be done.

And while dental technology has come a long way when it comes to replacing missing teeth, your real teeth are still the best choice you have. Saving a tooth means not only saving time and money on replacements, it also saves you from a loss of bone density after that particular tooth is removed.

If you’re in a situation where the pulp of your teeth has become infected, you need to act quickly, and going ahead with root canal therapy at a dentist near you can literally save your teeth - and your smile.