The Benefits of Endodontic Therapy

An older couple smilingAt Smile Solutions by Emmi Dental Associates, we provide patients in and around Wilmington with some of the finest dental care possible. This includes cosmetic procedures, restorative procedures, and endodontic treatment (root canal therapy) to save infected teeth from extraction.

Let's take a moment right now to go over the basics of root canal treatment and how it can benefit patients.

What is endodontic therapy?

Endodontic therapy refers to treatment of teeth that are infected. Within each tooth is a small, hollow chamber that is filled with a soft tissue known as dental pulp. The dental pulp contains nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels that help register sensations such as heat, cold, and pressure. Major tooth decay or tooth damage can allow bacteria within the mouth access to the dental pulp. Since an adult tooth is fully matured, a person can lose their dental pulp if it is infected and the tooth can remain intact.

The endodontic therapy process involves the removal of the infected dental pulp and sterilization of the pulp chamber. The tooth is filled with an inert material and capped with a crown, restoring its strength and durability, and saving the tooth from extraction.

Once endodontic therapy is completed, patients will be able to bite and chew again without pain, and will have improved dental health overall.

Endodontic Therapy Eases Pain

One of the primary benefits of endodontic therapy is that it helps relieve the intense pain associated with the infection of a tooth. While patients will notice some post-procedure pain following endodontic treatment, the pain experienced will not be as pronounced as the pain experienced with an infected tooth.

Endodontic Therapy Prevents the Spread of Infection

When a tooth is infected, it's possible for the infection to spread to other parts of the mouth, including the gum tissue and the jawbone. Endodontic therapy will stop the infection of the tooth from spreading, preventing more serious dental health problems and general wellness issues.

Endodontic Therapy Saves a Tooth from Extraction

It's always ideal for dentists to preserve as much of a patient's tooth structure as possible. The endodontic procedure will ensure that the tooth is saved from extraction, avoiding issues with missing teeth, bone loss, gum recession, and even the misalignment of your adjacent teeth.

Endodontic Therapy Is Highly Effective

In terms of general success rates, endodontic treatment is extremely effective at addressing tooth infection. It is the go-to therapy for these matters, and proves highly effective for treating all sorts of issues involving infected teeth and abscesses.

Is endodontic therapy right for me?

If you have a tooth that has been infected, endodontic treatment is ideal. If you experience severe and persistent tooth pain, be sure to visit your dentist to find out if you are in need of a root canal.

Learn More About Endodontic Therapy

To learn more about endodontic therapy and why it may be ideal for you and your dental health needs, it's important that you contact our cosmetic and restorative dentistry center today. The entire team here at Smile Solutions by Emmi Dental Associates looks forward to your visit and helping you have the healthiest and most beautiful smile possible.