Why Are Root Canals So Important?
The preservation of your natural teeth should be a priority. While beautiful dental prosthetics are valuable and can effectively replace failing teeth, no restoration can provide the same health benefits as natural enamel and tooth roots. With root canal therapy, your dentist can save your original tooth and preserve your oral and overall health.
What Does Root Canal Therapy Involve?
Root canal therapy is traditionally carried out with local anesthetic so the treatment site is completely numbed before the procedure. If you still feel anxious about treatment, you can receive sedation, including nitrous oxide, to help you relax.
Specialized dental instruments are then used to create a small hole behind the tooth, through which infected pulp and bacteria is removed. As part of this comprehensive approach, any dental decay observed during the procedure will also receive care.
To prevent recurrence of infection, the roots of a treated tooth will be sterilized, sealed, and filled with a biocompatible material called gutta percha. Additionally, a filling will be placed to cover the opening made to access the root canal. To supply additional strength and cosmetic appeal to teeth that have received treatment, your dentist will recommend crown placement.
Following root canal therapy, it is normal to experience moderate sensitivity while the healing process takes place. Patients should schedule a follow-up visit as soon as possible if this feeling does not eventually subside. Even when there are no outstanding issues, routine dental visits provide care that ensures the long-term
success of the treatment.
Continue Proper Oral Hygiene
Once the root canal therapy process is complete, a proper oral health care routine will help maintain strong function and health. Brushing twice a day and flossing regularly will keep bacteria at bay and prevent the decay of other teeth. You may also consider using an oral rinse to eliminate bacteria left behind after brushing and flossing along with regular visits to our Rutherford office to maintain your oral health.
If you would like more information about root canal therapy or want to learn more about caring for your teeth after the procedure, contact our dedicated team at Frost Dental Group to schedule your appointment today at 201-438-8870.
