What you need to know about root canal treatments
Root canal treatments treat a severely infected tooth that is suffering from irreversible damage. We can either save an infected tooth nerve with endodontics treatment or remove the infected pulp to prevent further spread of infection. The treatment itself is painless as the patient will have the necessary anesthesia.
Root canal treatments remove the infected pulp and leave the tooth itself in the mouth. Patients will be able to continue using the tooth after a root canal. However, if the infection is too great, we may need to remove the entire tooth to prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth. If the tooth goes untreated, the patient risks losing more teeth to infection.
Signs you need root canal treatments
There are a few common signs that one needs a root canal treatment. A patient who injures a tooth or experiences a form of trauma needs to have a professional examine the tooth. There is a certain amount of damage that a patient cannot see. If your tooth nerve sustains damage, the patient will need root canal treatment. Tooth decay is another common reason one will need root canal treatment. When the tooth has severe decay that penetrates the enamel and dentin, it will also infect the dental pulp. Thus, we need to remove the dental pulp and the infection as soon as possible.
If the pulp remains infected, the tooth can abscess and cause severe pain. Other common signs that one needs endodontics treatments include:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Exposed nerves
- Tooth death due to age
- Swelling
- Gum bleeding
- Constant discomfort
- Pus discharge
- Past untreated trauma
The Purpose of Root Canal Treatments
Root canal treatments, or endodontics treatments, are essential preventative dental services that can prolong the life of an infected tooth and the surrounding teeth. When we save the natural tooth, one will be able to eat and speak normally with the gums and other teeth remaining healthy. If these issues are left untreated, other dental problems and a generally unhealthy dental structure will take over the patient’s life. Saving the tooth with endodontics treatments will save money and time in the long run. It will also save the patient from immense discomfort.
When you visit our office because you need endodontics treatments, you will be in professional hands. We will ensure you do not experience discomfort or anxiety during your root canal treatments. We will do our best to save your tooth and to prevent further damage to your dental structure. Visit our dental office in Long Branch to learn more about how we can help.