Tooth Trauma Doesn’t Have to Mean Tooth Loss

Did you know that injured and badly damaged teeth could sometimes be saved? If you crack, dislodge, or allow a tooth to become deeply decayed, there is hope with endodontic therapy. This type of treatment can prevent the need for the surgical removal (extraction) of a tooth. When a tooth is injured or diseased, it is important to visit the dentist as quickly as possible so that our team can determine if the tooth can be saved with root canal therapy (endodontic treatment) and restorations.

How Root Canal Treatment Saves Teeth

Inside the roots of teeth is a small canal. This canal is a chamber-like area that contains nerve endings and dental pulp. Nerve endings and pulp are sealed off from debris and irritants in a healthy tooth, but if a tooth is substantially damaged from trauma or disease, this material inside the tooth is exposed to bacteria and debris, and can become infected. When the nerve endings and pulp become infected, patients typically experience severe discomfort and the tooth itself can die or an abscess will form.

To remedy the effects of an exposed root canal, endodontic treatment is necessary. This treatment involves accessing the root canal with small tools and removing its contents including the nerve endings. The inside of the canal is then irrigated to remove all debris and irritants. Once this is done, the root canal is sealed with gutta-percha, a rubber-like compound that will protect the tooth from the inside out.

By removing the infected contents inside a tooth, our dentists can prevent the development of an abscess, the loss of a tooth, or the need for an extraction. Sometimes, teeth that have been knocked out, dislodged, and impacted can be saved with this type of treatment.

Teeth can’t always be saved, however, and extractions may be required to prevent problematic oral health issues. When extracting teeth, our team takes great care to ensure a positive and comfortable experience.

For more information, contact The Dental Place at 972-264-5795 today to reserve an appointment.