Even before going to the dentist for a check-up, you can personally detect if there are any cavities on your teeth. Cavities are the visible holes that you see on the surface of your front teeth or the dark streaks on the pits and fissures of the chewing surface of your back teeth. Initially, these cavities may not pose any discomfort other than the occasional sensitivity during brushing or when a strand of floss gets caught in the sharp edge of the cavity. However, as the cavity becomes bigger, it can penetrate the hard enamel and invade the softer dentin beneath it to infringe on the pulp cavity. When the pulp cavity, which contains the blood vessels and nerves, gets infected it will cause a terrible toothache.
Before this happens, it would be best to visit us at the first sign of cavities so they can be treated with a dental filling before they even reach the dentin and nerves. This is because when the cavity is allowed to progress, the dental pulp becomes inflamed or infected. At this point, the nerve, blood vessels and other decayed portions of the tooth must be removed and the insides of the tooth must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected in a process known as endodontic therapy or more commonly as root canal treatment.
Root Canals Save Teeth
Root canal treatment saves your tooth from being extracted, thereby allowing you to retain your normal biting and chewing function as well as your natural appearance and smile. Because you are able to keep the tooth’s root intact, you likewise maintain the constant stimulation to the gum area where the root canal treated tooth is located. This helps preserve the bone density in that part of your jaw. Best of all, because you have managed to hold on to your natural tooth, you do away with the consequence of an extraction, that is, finding the suitable replacement, which could either be a dental implant, fixed bridge or removable partial denture.
The best way to prevent tooth decay is to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental appointments will remove bacteria from your mouth before it has a chance to cause damage. Contact us today to set up your appointment. Let us know if you have a tooth that you’re worried about, and we’ll check it out for you!
