Tooth loss leads to tremendous difficulty in speech and the ability to eat. Not only that, it negatively affects an individual by decreasing the quality of life. Even with the advances in dentistry today, having your natural tooth is superior to a dental bridge, denture or implant. If a tooth is severely decayed, we at Sapphire dentistry would advice for root canal treatment (RCT)

During RCT, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed, by creating an opening into the pulp chamber. The inside of the tooth is carefully disinfected to ensure as much of bacteria is eliminated. Usually, in the next visit, it is then filled and sealed with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha.  Afterward, the tooth is restored with a filling or dental crown for protection. This is particularly the case in the posterior teeth where the masticatory forces are high. After restoration, the tooth will still continue to work like any other tooth in the mouth.

The anatomy of a tooth is pretty complex. There is a central hollow space that exists at the roots, that is known as the nerve canal. It can have curves and little offshoots or branches to make it more complicated than a straight “tube,” but in all, that total space is where the nerve lies – or root canal space. In a tooth that is sound, the nerve and small blood vessels mainly occupy that space. When root canal treatment is done, that canal is cleaned out to render it empty. Medications are usually used to “sterilize” that area…to kill any microorganism that might be remaining after physically cleaning it out.

It is hard to know which root canal in which person is going to create a big enough toxic burden to cause health problems. Without question, root canals burden our immune system and could be the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. Yet, many people appear to be able to handle the potential toxicity of root canals.

Many controversies have been going on over this procedure. Some outlandishly claim that root canal treatment leaves the teeth to be a ticking time bomb, which is entirely untrue. When the infection is removed properly, it is completely safe. In fact, the best method to keep the function of the teeth in the mouth. There is no substitute better than the natural tooth itself.

Specifically, the cleaning and disinfection of the space where the nerve is will hopefully clean out any bacteria and residual debris. Whatever remains can be entombed or trapped within the root canal filling. If this is done successfully, any minor remnants of harmful bacteria are below the level needed to cause any clinical symptoms, and the patient will feel much better over time.

Some patients will have a residual infection which does not heal after the first root canal and in these rare occasions, multiple treatment options are that are made available to the patients. A root canal is a safe and efficient procedure. When a severe infection happens in a tooth, it requires a root canal. It also prevents reinfection of the dentition and saves the natural tooth. Also you can have the peace of mind that endodontic dentistry tools, e.g., sealers, gutta percha, intracanal medications are bio-compatible and work harmoniously with your body.

For more inquiries, drop us a message at Sapphire dentistry or contact us directly, we’re ready to answer your questions.