When the pulp at the center of a tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to injury, deep cavities, or receding gums, a painful abscess may develop. It is at this point that the patient has to choose between extracting the tooth and restoring it with a root canal procedure, followed by a crown (in some cases). Root canal (endodontic) treatment involves cleaning the nerve out of the inner chamber of the tooth and filling it with an inert material that helps keep the tooth in place. An extraction makes it necessary to get a bridge or an implant. With the help of today’s anesthetics, undergoing root canal treatment is now no more uncomfortable than getting a large cavity filled.
Root canal therapy may have had a bad reputation in the past as being painful, however, as most anyone who has experienced this procedure can attest, today’s techniques make root canal a virtually painless, effective treatment. If you are experiencing pain or have unusual symptoms, call your dentist. Be aware of threats to your health, and take steps to prevent problems from occurring in the first place. If you don’t have a family dentist at this time, we invite your call at West Brookfield Dental, 508.867.2777. You’ll find our full service dental practice at 9 West Main St., West Brookfield.
P.S. Root canal treatment is considerably less expensive than the bridges or implants needed to replace extracted teeth.
