Root canals are vital to saving an infected tooth. Your Auburn, CA, dentists, Drs. Dan Gustavson and James Dunn, provide patients with root canals at Auburn Dental Aesthetics. Root canals, contrary to what many people think, are almost an entirely pain-free procedure.
Patients will notice when the tooth's pulp, a nerve-rich part of the tooth, becomes infected. A root canal is when a dentist removes the infected nerves, disinfects the canal, and applies a filling to protect teeth. If the infection is left untreated, the infection turns into an abscess, which may lead to bone loss in the jaw.
There are several reasons teeth become infected. A poor oral or dental regimen leads to cavities. When you don't brush, floss, or use antiseptic, plaque accumulation is bound to happen. Plaque consists of acid-producing bacteria that break down the enamel, the protective layer covering your teeth. Deeper, more sensitive layers of the tooth are exposed, which is how the pulp is infected. People who have cracked, chipped, or fractured teeth make those sensitive layers more susceptible to damage, so regular dental checkups at our Auburn, CA, office is necessary.
Root canal treatment saves/helps your teeth in several ways:
It stops the spread of a bacterial infection.
It stops tooth decay that may result in tooth loss.
It saves your teeth.
- It prevents jawbone degeneration.
It improves oral health.
It eliminates pain.
Post-procedural care involves icing the area if necessary, using pain medication to alleviate discomfort and avoiding using your teeth for a short while. You will need a crown to protect your tooth after the root canal.
You need a root canal to maintain your teeth’s health, and unlike common belief, root canal therapy is meant to eliminate pain. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Drs. Dan Gustavson or James Dunn at Auburn Dental Aesthetics in Auburn, CA, at 530.830.3333 today.