Root Canal Therapy Benefits – Jackson, MS

Hearing that you have a cavity is never news you want to receive at the dentist’s office. While disappointing, it can usually be quickly and effectively repaired with a dental filling. In cases where the infection is located deep within the center of the tooth, a dental filling is not sufficient enough since the roots may have been compromised. More aggressive forms of treatment are usually necessary. To help save the tooth and prevent the need for an extraction, Dr. Danny O’Keefe offers root canal therapy at his Jackson, MS, practice. When the term “root canal therapy” is mentioned, it tends to have a bad connotation, but we want to assure you that it can be performed comfortably and help salvage a severely damaged tooth. Below Dr. O’Keefe discusses the top five root canal therapy benefits and why it makes a great alternative for repairing teeth.

It Can Alleviate Tooth Pain

Because the pulp chamber houses sensitive nerve endings, once the infection penetrates the area, tooth pain is usually intense and hard to alleviate. Some of the symptoms you may experience include:

• Chronic or intermittent pain
• Bad taste around the tooth
• Fever
• Heightened sensitivity
• Gum or jaw swelling
• Difficulty chewing

Once the infected tissue is removed and your dental crown is placed, the pain will be alleviated and dental function restored.

It’s a Fairly Simple Procedure

Contrary to what you may have heard, root canal therapy is fairly simple and much like receiving a dental filling. During the procedure, Dr. O’Keefe will numb the tooth with local anesthesia. Once you are comfortable, he will access the center of the tooth, remove the diseased tissue, and replace it with a special material to help maintain the tooth’s structure. He will then apply a customized dental crown to reinforce the tooth's structural integrity and protect it from further damage.

It Can Prevent Tooth Extraction

Once the infection compromises your tooth roots, it can no longer be repaired with traditional methods. The infection will only continue to deepen, placing your jaw and adjacent teeth in jeopardy. When this happens, the tooth will need to be extracted. Root canal therapy can save your tooth and prevent you from costly and complex tooth replacement procedures.

It Can Improve the Tooth’s Aesthetics

Damaged and infected roots can cause the tooth to darken and crack, significantly affecting the tooth’s appearance. Once the infection is removed and the tooth is sealed, he will fabricate an aesthetically pleasing dental crown to beautify and fortify your smile. As an added benefit, he uses CEREC® technology to provide same-day results. This technology creates a customized dental crown from digital impressions taken of your mouth in a matter of minutes with the help of an in-office milling machine. Your crown, made from shade-matched porcelain provides natural-looking and durable results.

It Protects Your Oral Health and Overall Wellbeing

If the infection is left untreated, the infection can quickly travel to nearby teeth and gums. This could result in increased pain and costly restorative procedures. When the infection enters the bloodstream, it can also place your physical health in danger. Oral infections have been linked to cardiovascular complications and even diabetes diagnoses.

Need Root Canal Therapy?

If you notice any of the above side effects, it’s important to address the issue immediately to help protect your smile and oral health. To learn more about the benefits of root canal therapy, please contact our office today to schedule your consultation.