Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy, also known as "endodontics," is used to remove diseased or dead pulp tissue located at the root of the tooth. Before delving into the details of root canal therapy, let's take a look at the composition of our teeth to get a better understanding of the whole affair.
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A healthy tooth can be broadly divided into two parts – the upper part known as the crown, which you can see, and the lower part, the root, which lies beneath the gums and is not visible. The root canal offshoots from soft tissue called pulp. The pulp contains nerves, veins, arteries and blood vessels.
Root canal therapy becomes necessary when the pulp, from which root canals originate, is damaged or destroyed. Bacteria, breeding as a result of improper teeth cleaning, can infect the pulp. It also so happens that food particles remain on the surface of the tooth inviting bacteria to penetrate the pulp. And, a lack of nutritious food can weaken the immune system' ability to fight bacterial infection. A periodic visit to your dentist can save you from all these complications.
Toothache – The Painful Symptom
Mild to severe pain is an indication that your root canal is infected and the pulp is now a cavity, which allows bacteria to seep in. The toothache is often felt more when biting or chewing food. Also, the teeth can be sensitive to hot and/or cold liquid.
Treatment
Once the pulp is damaged or leaked, it cannot recover on its own. Any delay in treatment further infects the surrounding bones and gums that hold the tooth. The gums will start to recede and end up in the falling of the tooth.
Endodontic therapy consists of cleaning out the infected pulp, filling of gutta percha in the root canals and sealing the tooth permanently with porcelain or gold. This way, you can keep and use your natural tooth.
Alternatively, you may opt for extraction of the affected tooth, but that will create a space that might need an implant or a bridge. An extraction is less expensive than root canal treatment, which may cost you around $1000.
For a complimentary examination appointment to see if you have a need for our root canal therapy services and what treatment might be right for you, please contact us online or call 650-965-1234.
We'll answer any questions you may have, and give you a free written estimate regarding costs and insurance benefits before you leave.
Call us today!
Dr. Burch
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