What Exactly is Root Canal Therapy?

Macro photo of dental instruments: drill and needle for treating root canals and pulpitis in a dentist hand in a blue glove. The doctor measures the length of the needle with a special rulerIt goes without saying that there are countless concerns out there that target your smile and threaten its integrity. Indeed, from dental decay and infection to TMJ disorder and everything else in-between, there is hardly anything your smile is safe from. As such, it is important to practice a well-rounded preventive care routine in order to give your grin the best chances of protection and success. Still, however, sometimes concerns arise faster than expected, and before you know it, you are faced with difficult decisions that must be made. In today’s blog, your Auburn Hills, MI dentist explains how tooth decay spreads to your roots, and how root canal treatment can mitigate this concern.

Infected Teeth Roots

By now, you are likely familiar with the common oral health threat that is tooth decay. Indeed, it occurs when oral bacteria that have been lurking in the recesses of the mouth feed on food and produce a destructive acid. This acid then eats away at the protective layer of enamel surrounding your tooth, exposing the structure and subjecting it to significant infection.

While most instances of decay can be treated with a simple cavity filling, it is important to note that sometimes patients are not even aware there is a problem, to begin with. After all, cavities occur on a surface level of the tooth, so you cannot feel the damage that is occurring. When you do start to notice a few signs and symptoms, however, know that you probably have a much bigger problem on your hands. To learn more about this process and what steps you can take, reach out to our team today.

Its Impact on You

Just like many other oral health concerns, tooth decay does not get better with time. In fact, as time goes by, it will continue to get worse and dive deeper and deeper into the inner workings of your teeth. Here, you will begin to experience a number of symptoms, including increased sensitivity, sharp pains, and even difficulty performing daily routines such as biting, chewing, and eating. The reason for this is because the infection has made its way into your roots, where it is now damaging your nerves. Reach out to our office today to learn more.

Treatment to Help

When a person has endured decay to this extent, there is a small window of opportunity in which a root canal treatment will help. Indeed, this process involves removing the infected dental pulp from inside the structure, then filling the open canals with dental material to provide reinforcement. Once the treatment is complete, we will top off your structure with a crown so as to promote adequate healing.

Schedule Your Appointment

Contact Advanced Dental Concepts in Auburn Hills, MI by calling 248-852-1820 to learn more about the need for timely treatment, and schedule your next appointment with our team today.