Perhaps you’re thinking about forgoing your much-needed root canal procedure because of your busy schedule, fear of the dentist, or the horror stories you heard about the treatment. Unfortunately, if you don’t get a root canal in 23226 when you need one, the infection causing the problem can spread from your tooth to the surrounding areas and other parts of your body.
Root Canal Facts You Should Know
What Is a Root Canal?
The pulp chamber houses the tooth’s blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue deep inside the tooth’s root. Moreover, an infection may occur in the pulp when an injury to the tooth causes a chip or crack in it or when a large cavity is left untreated. In such cases, the dental care provider may recommend a root canal treatment.
During the procedure, the dentist creates an opening in the tooth to remove the infected pulp. Next, they clean out and disinfect the pulp chamber and the tooth’s roots before filling them with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha and sealing the tooth with adhesive cement. Finally, a dental crown is placed over the treated tooth to prevent further damage and future infection.
What Could Happen If I Don’t Get a Root Canal When I Need One?
Tooth Loss
Dentists use root canals to save severely damaged or infected teeth. If an infected pulp isn’t correctly managed, the decay and infection will eventually require a tooth extraction.
Unfortunately, missing teeth lead to more oral health issues, including dental shifting, difficulty chewing, speech issues, bone loss, aged appearance, and low self-esteem. Additionally, tooth-replacement options such as dental implants will cost more money and require more oral surgery.
Life-Threatening Medical Conditions
Putting off your root canal for too long may cause a pus-filled sac or a dental abscess to develop in the tooth’s surrounding gum area. Leaving a dental abscess untreated may lead to life-threatening medical conditions such as a stroke, heart attack, or sepsis.
Considering a Root Canal in 23226?
At Commonwealth Endodontics, we offer exceptional endodontic care in a safe and comfortable environment. Call now to make an appointment.