Could you guess how many root canal procedures dentists perform annually? In the US, the number is 15.1 million, asserts the American Association of Endodontists (AAE). At Drexel Hill Family Dentistry, Dr. Dinesh Tewari and Dr. Phillip Moretto understand the need for these restorative procedures. Successful, relieving pain and infection and more, root canals help people keep their natural teeth.
What is a root canal?
Every one of your teeth has one to four root canals, narrow interior chambers which run down each tooth root. They contain blood vessels, connective tissue and nerves--in other words, soft pulp. Root canals help the young tooth develop correctly. However, as a tooth matures, the pulp is no longer needed for day to day function.
During a root canal procedure at Drexel Hill Family Dentistry, Dr. Tewari or Dr. Moretto removes damaged interior pulp from each root canal. Then, the canals are disinfected, filled and sealed with a biocompatible putty called gutta-percha. After healing is complete, the dentist covers the tooth with a custom-fabricated porcelain crown to strengthen, protect, and beautify the tooth for many years.
Why would someone need one?
Root canal problems arise from:
- Oral trauma leading to a tooth fracture, crack or chip
- Deep tooth decay
- Dental abscess, or infection
In essence, when oral bacteria infiltrate the interior of a tooth, it's in serious trouble--even dead, says Ask the Dentist. When untreated, decay and infection can necessitate extraction, unless your dentist intervenes with a root canal procedure.
Signs you may need a root canal are:
- Toothache
- Dental sensitivity to hot or cold foods or to the pressures of biting and chewing
- Discolored enamel
- A noticeable chip or crack
- Fistulas or pimples on the gums near the tooth
- Bad breath
- Drainage and/or pus coming from the tooth
Root canals really work
Ask the Dentist says that 95 percent of root canal procedures succeed, saving the tooth for many years of extra service to the patient. The addition of a porcelain crown strengthens weak tooth structure and makes your restored tooth blend in with its neighbors.
Contact us with your problem tooth
If you have dental symptoms or are wondering how long a heavily restored tooth will last, call the office staff at Drexel Hill Family Dentistry in Drexel Hill, PA, for a root canal consultation. You'll receive a complete examination and X-rays by Dr. Tewari or Dr. Moretto. He'll tell you if your tooth can be saved by root canal therapy. Don't delay, but phone us today: (610) 259-6619.