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Restorations like dental implants, crowns and dentures have come a long way in terms of durability and comfort, but nothing feels or functions quite like your natural tooth. Root canal therapy can be the difference between losing or saving your tooth. Sometimes patients fear getting a root canal but it’s a very beneficial dental treatment.
How Root Canal Therapy Saves Your Tooth
Root canals, also known as root canal therapy, can be performed to save teeth that have damaged, diseased or dead pulp. The pulp is the jelly-like substance that is at the center of your tooth. It contains nerves and blood vessels and is protected by the hard outside layers. Tooth pulp is alive and it provides nutrients to your tooth. Inflammation or infection of tooth pulp can be caused by many situations. Whether your tooth has suffered deep decay, multiple dental treatments, or a crack or chip, pulp damage can cause pain, lead to an abscess, and even tooth loss.
What is a Root Canal?
During a root canal, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed from within the tooth. Next the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected to prevent the infection from spreading. The tooth is then filled and sealed with a material compatible with your tooth. After the cleaning, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling and will continue to function similarly to your remaining natural teeth.
Signs You Need a Root Canal
Inflammation and infection can have a variety of causes, but these symptoms can mean you might need a root canal:
- Pain while chewing or biting
- Swollen or tender gums
- Chipped or cracked tooth
- Dental abscess
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
Save Your Tooth with Root Canal Therapy in Jonesboro, AR!
Are you experiencing signs that you need a root canal? At Troy Bartels, DDS, we provide gentle root canal treatment. The sooner you find the source of a dental problem, the sooner you can restore your oral health. Contact our office to learn more!
