Root canals are a safe and effective procedure that removes damaged tissue to restore your natural tooth to full health. Millions of teeth are saved this way each year, relieving pain and making smiles complete again.
Unfortunately, many people have misperceptions of root canal treatments and avoid getting them done out of fear of potential risks. In this article, we dispel those myths and show you why root canal treatments can actually be a beneficial dental care choice for your teeth.
Root Canals
Root canals become necessary when oral bacteria infiltrate the pulp inside a tooth, usually when cavities go untreated for an extended period or your tooth becomes cracked or damaged due to trauma.
Root canal treatment involves extracting inflamed or infected pulp from inside of a tooth, cleaning and disinfecting its interior, then sealing it shut. With proper care and maintenance, teeth that have undergone root canal treatment can last a lifetime!
The procedure itself isn’t painful and most people find it to be much less stressful than getting a filling placed. It can save a damaged tooth, avoiding extraction and replacement with either a dental implant or bridge.
Before having a root canal, make sure you take all medications as prescribed and abstain from smoking. Doing this will minimize pain and inflammation during the procedure. You may be given nitrous oxide or oral sedatives for extra relaxation during your visit.
Fillings
Fillings are used to treat dental caries, or holes caused by bacteria in your mouth. Over time, this hole causes tooth decay and eventually cavities that must be filled by your dentist.
Fillings can be made from various materials such as metal amalgam, composite resin and gold. The choice of material depends on the size and location of the cavity in your tooth.
Composite resin is a tooth-coloured filling that can be matched to your other teeth’s shade, providing a more natural appearance than metal amalgam does. However, this filling may not last as long in areas with heavy biting pressure than others.
Glass ionomer cement is another option for fillings that can be matched to your tooth’s colour and has an average lifespan of 5 years. Unfortunately, it may chip or crack depending on where it is placed in your tooth, and costs twice as much as amalgam fillings.
Crowns
A dental crown is a cap that covers your tooth, protecting and strengthening it after a root canal procedure. This may be done for cosmetic or implant reasons as well.
Porcelain, metal and gold dental crowns are the most durable options; on average they last five to fifteen years.
At Toongabbie Family Dental, our dentists use crowns to protect your damaged teeth from further decay or harm. Not only do they improve the aesthetic of your smile, they help you eat food comfortably and extend the life of your teeth.
Most patients who receive root canal therapy also need one or more teeth that require crowns after treatment. Depending on how severe the break or decay that led to a root canal, some teeth in the back (molars and premolars) require extra strength from a crown for protection, so many require one afterward.
Bridges
Dental crowns and bridges are the ideal solutions to many dental issues. Although often underestimated, these devices can improve both your overall oral health as well as give you a beautiful smile at an affordable cost. Plus, with most options, there’s no big financial commitment involved either!
Crowns can range in composition from tooth colored porcelain and/or gold, depending on the tooth being restored. A crown is the best and most reliable way to protect severely compromised, broken, or root canal treated teeth from further breakdown.
Maintaining good dental health requires regular visits to your Toongabbie dentist. We suggest getting a routine checkup every 6 months and having your teeth professionally deep-cleaned at least twice a year; you’ll be amazed at what a difference these appointments make for your smile!
