Root canal therapy is a remarkable treatment with a very high rate of success. It involves removing the diseased tissue from the heart of the tooth and the root canals, halting the spread of infection and restoring the healthy portion of the tooth. In fact, root canal therapy is designed to actually save a problematic tooth. Prior to the development of the procedure, the only alternative for treating a diseased tooth was extraction. And regardless of the sophisticated methods we have for teeth replacement in Arizona today, no technology can rival the capabilities of your own natural teeth.
What Lies Beneath
Within the heart of the tooth lies the collection of blood vessels, nerves and other tissues that essentially keep it ‘alive’. The root canals are the tiny passageways that house these vital structures. They span the length of the tooth roots, running vertically downwards from the pulp chamber until they reach the tip of the root. All of your teeth have between one and four root canals and their good health is vital to the health of the entire tooth.
The problem is, your teeth aren’t invulnerable to infection, especially if you’re a little sloppy about keeping your teeth clean and going for regular check-ups and professional teeth cleanings. Should bacteria, via a cavity, crack or fissure in the enamel, spread into to the pulp chamber, it may become necessary to perform root canal therapy in order to save the entire tooth from painful infection. A traumatic injury to the tooth can also necessitate root canal therapy.
Why Is Root Canal Therapy Necessary?
A diseased inner tooth brings a host of problems to the patient; pain and sensitivity are some of the first indications of a problem. But inside, a spreading infection can cause small pockets of pus to develop, leading to excruciatingly painful abscesses. Because the insides of the tooth are encased by a hard protective structure, the body simply cannot expel the diseased tissue, which is when intervention by a professional endodontist, such as Dr. Kevin Gasser, becomes necessary. A timely root canal can save the life of your tooth and prevent you from needing costlier teeth replacement procedures.
Root Canal Therapy: About The Procedure
Root canal therapy usually involves between one and three visits with Dr. Gasser. During the first visit, a small hole is drilled through the top of the tooth and into the inner chamber. The diseased tissue is removed, the inner chamber cleansed and disinfected, and the tiny canals reshaped. The cleansed chamber and canals are filled with an elastic material and a medication designed to prevent infection is applied. If necessary, the drilled hole is temporarily filled until a permanent seal is made with a crown. A local anesthesia is used during the procedure and as a result, most patients experience little or no discomfort or pain, and enjoy a restored tooth that can last almost as long as its healthy predecessor.
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- General and Preventative Dentistry
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- Dental Implants
- “All-on-4™” Implants for Full Mouth Reconstruction
- Removable Full and Partial Dentures
- Sedation Dentistry
- Porcelain Veneers
- Teeth Whitening
- Dental Bridges
- Porcelain Crowns
- Dental Reconstruction
- Root Canal Treatment
- Gum Disease Treatment
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If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with an experienced restorative dentist in Sun City, don’t hesitate to contact us at 623-972-8217. Alternatively, fill out our Contact Form and we’ll get back to you promptly.