The Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure to save a severely damaged or infected tooth. It involves the removal of the infected or inflamed pulp from the inside of the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, and sealing them to prevent further infection. At Steven H. Brenman DMD, the procedure is typically recommended when the dental pulp, which consists of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue within the tooth, becomes infected or injured. This can occur due to deep tooth decay, trauma to the tooth, cracks or fractures, or repeated dental procedures on the same tooth.

The Procedure for Root Canal Treatment

Before the procedure begins, the dentist administers local anesthesia to numb the area around the affected tooth, ensuring you remain comfortable throughout the treatment. The dentist creates a small access hole in the tooth's crown to reach the pulp chamber and root canals. Using specialized dental instruments called files, they carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp from the pulp chamber and the root canals. The dentist uses these files to clean and shape the inside of the root canals. This step involves removing any remaining infected tissue, debris, and bacteria. The canals are thoroughly cleaned and enlarged to facilitate effective disinfection. Once the canals are cleaned and shaped, they are filled with a biocompatible gutta-percha material. Gutta-percha is a rubber-like material that seals the canals to prevent bacteria from re-entering. After the root canal treatment, the access hole in the tooth is sealed with a temporary filling. In most cases, a dental crown is recommended to restore the treated tooth's strength, function, and appearance. The crown is custom-made and permanently placed during a subsequent dental visit.

The Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

Preservation of Natural Tooth

Root canal treatment aims to save the natural tooth from extraction. Removing the infected or damaged pulp and sealing the canals can preserve the tooth and help it function correctly. This is important because losing a natural tooth can lead to various dental issues, such as shifting neighboring teeth, difficulty chewing, and potential bone loss in the jaw.

Relief from Pain

Root canal treatment is often performed to alleviate severe toothache caused by an infected or inflamed pulp. The procedure effectively relieves pain and discomfort by removing the source of infection and cleaning the canals.

Infection Control

Infected dental pulp can lead to the formation of abscesses, which are pockets of pus that develop around the tooth's root. Root canal treatment eliminates the infection and prevents it from spreading further to the surrounding tissues or other body parts.

By preserving the natural tooth, root canal treatment eliminates the need for more expensive restorative procedures. The success and longevity of root canal treatment depend on proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. For the best dental care, visit Steven H. Brenman DMD at 1311 Bay St, Staten Island, NY 10305, or call 718 6502199.