The Goal of Root Canal Treatment
Root canal therapy is a very common procedure. It has a reputation of being undesirable and painful. But when done properly it is actually painless. Every tooth in your mouth is composed of a crown and a root. When a cavity or bacteria penetrates the tooth, the root and its nerves become irritated. As a result, the bacteria within the pulp cavity needs to be removed and cleaned in order to restore the tooth to its healthy state. Following the procedure, the tooth is fragile and consequently is restored with the natural crown for a lifetime of durability. Root canals have a success rate of 95% or greater. Most root canal are diagnosed by patients’ sensitivities to a specific tooth. Be sure to consult your dentist any symptoms or discomfort occur.
Root canal therapy, a procedure sometimes referred to by dentists as endodontic therapy, is a way to save a decayed, infected, or damaged tooth. This treatment is not provided by all dentists, as it is more of a specialized procedure requiring the dentist to perform oral surgery to keep a natural tooth from facing extraction. Dr. Steve Dugan and his team in Wichita, Kansas, work with individuals to help them understand the purpose of root canal therapy and the final results that can be achieved.
What is Endodontic Therapy?
Endodontic therapy is also commonly referred to as root canal therapy. This procedure is performed when the pulp of the tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels, becomes infected or damaged. In order to save the tooth, the dentist must remove the damaged pulp and then fill and seal the space.
Why is Root Canal Treatment Necessary?
There are a few reasons why endodontic therapy may be necessary. The most common reason is when the tooth’s pulp becomes infected. This might happen due to a deep cavity, a cracked or chipped tooth, or an injury to the tooth. If left untreated, an infection within the pulp can spread to other parts of the mouth and body, causing severe health problems.
Another reason why endodontic therapy may be necessary is to relieve pain caused by tooth decay or damage. In some cases, the damage is not severe enough to warrant an extraction, but the pain can be unbearable. Sometimes, root canal therapy is used to remove the damaged pulp and relieve the pain.
What are the Benefits of Endodontic Therapy?
There are a few advantages of endodontic therapy:
- It can save a natural tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted.
- It can relieve pain caused by tooth decay or damage.
- It can help prevent an infection from spreading to other parts of the mouth or body.
Schedule a Consultation Visit with Dr. Steve Dugan
At Dugan Family Dentistry, Wichita, Kansas, area families can get the care they need to achieve and maintain healthy smiles for life. If you live in the community and want to start seeing a dentist who offers various general and restorative dentistry treatments, call (316) 669-4838 to request a consultation visit. Our providers are here to ensure you have all the services you need to keep your smile healthy and beautiful, including root canal therapy!