Endodontic Therapy: Who Is a Good Candidate?
When it comes to dental care focused on total wellness, patients can put their trust in Dr. Danny O'Keefe. A leading dentist in the Jackson area, Dr. O'Keefe takes a state-of-the-art approach to cosmetic, general, and restorative dentistry treatments to improve the look and health of smiles.
One such treatment that crucial for great dental health is endodontic therapy, which treats root canal infections. Let's go over the basics of this right now, starting with the anatomy of a tooth.
Understanding the Anatomy of a Tooth
Within each tooth is a small amount of soft tissue housed inside of a hollow chamber. This soft tissue is known as dental pulp. The dental pulp is comprised of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, all of which was essential for the initial formation and development of the tooth.
When bacteria breaches the other structure of the tooth and has access to the pulp chamber, this can result in a root canal infection.
The Dangers of Root Canal Infections
Root canal infections can be quite painful, making it very difficult for patients to focus on anything but the discomfort occurring in their mouth. If left untreated, the root canal infection can spread, leading to far more serious health problems. Sometimes an extremely infected tooth will have to be extracted since it can no longer be saved.
What Is Endodontic Therapy?
Also known colloquially as root canal therapy, endodontic treatment is a procedure that involves the removal of the infected dental pulp to alleviate pain and save a tooth from extraction. With the infected dental pulp removed, the hollow chamber of the tooth is then sterilized and filled with an inert material to keep the tooth stable and prevent further infection of the tooth.
Thanks to endodontic therapy, a patient bite, chew, and smile again without experiencing serious pain and discomfort.
General Candidates for Endodontic Therapy
The ideal candidates for endodontic therapy are people who suffer from root canal infections. By performing endodontic therapy sooner rather than later, dentists can save a patient's tooth from extraction and prevent more serious spread of infection down the road. Endodontic therapy also help alleviate pain, and while the procedure can cause temporary discomfort, it is nowhere near as bad as the pain associated with an infected tooth.
When Should I See a Dentist About Endodontic Therapy?
Any time you suffer from serious and recurring dental pain, you schedule a visit with your dentist. It may be the sign of a root canal infection that needs to be treated or another serious dental problem that ought to be addressed.
Be attentive to any instances of pain or sensitivity, and do not hesitate to reach out for help.
Ways of Preventing Root Canal Infections
The best ways of preventing root canal infection are as follows:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day (ideally after every meal)
- Floss your teeth at least once a day (ideally after every meal)
- Avoid soft drinks and sugary snacks
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Do not smoke or use tobacco products
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Visit your dentist twice a year for regular checkups
Contact Family Dental Care
For more information about root canal treatment and how it can help you have a healthy and beautiful smile, be sure to contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. Dr. Danny O'Keefe and his team will work closely with you to ensure your dental health is the best that it can be.
