The surface of your teeth is important for enhancing your appearance and bolstering your confidence, but what lies beneath the surface is intimately connected to your overall health. Dr Hill can make sure your teeth are looking good inside and out!
What Causes the Inside of a Tooth to Erode or Become Infected?
Teeth can be severely damaged due to:
- Decay. When teeth are not brushed or flossed properly, bacteria can build-up and harden into plaque that sits on the teeth, eating away at the enamel. The bacteria can eventually dig deep inside of the tooth, destroying surrounding dentin, tissue, and bone if ignored for too long.
- Trauma and injury. Getting hit in the face or kicked in the jaw can result in cracked and broken teeth. Bacteria can settle in these fractures, unreachable by a brush or floss.
An infection that is left untreated can spread into your gums, bone, and to other parts of your body, which can potentially be life-threatening. Prompt evaluation and treatment is therefore imperative.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
A root canal is the pulp-filled center of a tooth containing sensitive nerves, tissues, and blood vessels. During development, a tooth relies on this pulp for nourishment, but a fully developed tooth can survive without it by getting nourishment from the surrounding gum tissue instead. When the root canal becomes infected, the pulp can therefore be replaced with new material that will keep the tooth healthy and functional.
Our Root Canal Therapy
Pain and sensitivity is often what brings patients into the office, but you don’t have to wait until you’re in pain to get your infection treated. A dentist can detect even the earliest signs of infection and may recommend treatment before the infection can destroy the tooth or spread to other tissues. Many people are concerned just hearing the words “root canal,” but this therapy is actually a relatively painless and quick process—especially if an infection is treated early.
Here is what you can expect when you come to us for your root canal therapy:
- The site is completely numbed with a fast-working anesthetic
- An opening is made in the surface of the tooth
- All damaged tissue is removed
- All internal passages are cleaned
- A rubber-like material is inserted to cork up the inside of the tooth
- The opening is sealed and covered, usually with a crown, restoring the tooth to its normal functionality
Our professionals will discuss all of your concerns and questions and can walk you through the process every step of the way.
Whether you are experiencing pain or just want to be sure your roots are healthy, schedule with us today for a thorough examination and a discussion of your treatment options.