When a tooth needs a root canal, it is usually because of either a deep cavity, a break, a crack, or a chip that has gone through the hard protective enamel of the tooth. Under the enamel is a softer tissue called dentin and then under the dentin in the center of the tooth is the pulp. This pulp in the center of the tooth contains blood vessels and nerves that bring life to the tooth. When the tooth enamel is broken or worn away, exposing the soft dentin allows bacteria to get into the tooth pulp.
Once there is a way for bacteria to get into the pulp of the tooth, there is no way to stop it. The dentist is not able to create a seal that is effective enough to replace the tooth enamel. This means that while the tooth infection can be treated with antibiotics, that infection would keep coming back unendingly, and there was a time when this meant the tooth had to be removed to save a patient's health.
The one and the only way to save a tooth that has an opening of some sort running through its enamel is to first have the infected pulp inside the tooth removed. Then, the remaining space known as the pulp chamber, is sealed up with a material that will keep bacteria from traveling inside the tooth and into gums, jaw, and bloodstream.
This process has become very common, and while it was once regarded as unpleasant, thanks to modern anesthetics, patients are feeling no pain during, this allows the dentist to work more freely and efficiently at cleaning out and sealing this tooth so that patients can keep the tooth and underlying root in their jaw.
In addition to better anesthetics, a dentist also has motor handpieces that are far more accurate than cleaning by hand. The procedure is much faster and more effective now. There are also ultrasonic instruments that assist with canal irrigation and cleaning and also nickel-titanium files that are better for removing the pulp and all infections.
Other technological improvements are surgical microscopes to ensure the infection has been completely eradicated and digital X-rays that allow the dentist to see the tooth roots with amazing accuracy. It is also good to know that digital X-rays produce less radiation, and there is no delay in their development time, and this is one more reason the procedure moves quickly.
Once a tooth has been root canaled, your general dentistry office will want to have a crown made up and then install it. A crown is a covering that is designed to fit over the top of the tooth and is sealed to it. While crowns used to be made of a variety of visible materials, including gold and silver, they are now usually made with a composite material that matches the appearance of the patient's natural teeth. To place the crown, the underlying tooth is trimmed down slightly to ensure the crown does not impact the patient's natural bite pattern.
There are many benefits to getting a crown. It will add structural integrity to the tooth so that it lasts much longer, usually decades. The crown will also look beautiful in the mouth and deflect food from sitting on the tooth. Aside from the pulp being gone, patients will have a fully restored tooth, and they will be able to chew their food with it, which will make dining much more pleasurable.
It can be difficult for patients to decide if they want to try to save a tooth or have it removed. That is why individuals that have a known cavity or tooth pain should seek dental care as quickly as possible. Dentists have the ability to understand what is happening inside the tooth and help people understand their options. While dentists typically always want to keep a tooth in the mouth, they can work with patients to understand their concerns and design an appropriate treatment plan. Root canals are one of the final steps that a dentist can make to help eliminate the pain caused by an infected tooth, and to help save the tooth before it requires removal. This allows dentists to maintain the form, function, and appearance of the tooth without having to remove the tooth and replace it with a bridge or dental implant.
Request an appointment here: https://www.pacificviewsmilecenter.com or call Pacific View Smile Center at (310) 304-1854 for an appointment in our Santa Monica office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Canal in Santa Monica, CA.
Looking for information on preventive dentistry? Read on to learn more. A good preventive dentist can save you money on significant tooth problems, pain, and costly treatments in the future. All treatments or procedures that prevent tooth decay, tooth damage, and gum disease fall under preventive dentistry. Fortunately, when preventive dentistry is incorporated into daily…
Preventive dentistry can help you avoid issues like tooth decay and gum disease, which are the most common issues that dentists deal with. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy starts with having a consistent oral hygiene routine.Many of the dental issues that you might find yourself dealing with start with the bacteria in your mouth.…
If you are wondering about restorative dentistry, you are not alone. Lots of people have similar questions about the subject of restorative dental procedures. When people ask a question several times, it becomes a frequently asked question or FAQ. Dental professionals answer patients’ questions on a public forum (like a website). That makes it easier…
General dentists can perform dozens of different procedures, so they may have a long list of offered services. A general dentist focuses on the prevention (and fast restoration) of oral health issues. However, they may also provide more extensive procedures, such as teeth replacement, when necessary.Some general dentistry services are more common than others. Specifically,…
General dentists can perform dozens of different procedures, so they may have a long list of offered services. A general dentist focuses on the prevention (and fast restoration) of oral health issues. However, they may also provide more extensive procedures, such as teeth replacement, when necessary.Some general dentistry services are more common than others. Specifically,…
A key part of a general dentist's job is helping patients protect their teeth from damage, wear, and decay. Preventing dental problems can help patients save time, trouble, discomfort, and money. Here is a closer look at how general dentists help patients keep their teeth in good condition.General dentists may provide the following preventive services…