Natural teeth are meant to last a lifetime. Even if one of your teeth
becomes injured or diseased, it can often be saved through a specialized
procedure known as root canal (
endodontic) treatment. Can my tooth be
saved?
Bailey Family Dental has a few answers to many of the common questions our patients in Hartland Wi have asked.
What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment (endodontics) is one of the areas of dentistry
that Dr. Richard Bailey focuses on. Root canal treatment usually
involves the removal of the tooth's pulp, a small threadlike tissue that
was important for the tooth development. Once removed, it is replaced
with materials that seal off the root canal from its supporting
structures. Years ago, diseased or injured teeth were often extracted.
Today, even if the pulp of one of your teeth becomes injured or
infected, it often can be saved through root canal treatment. This is
the area of dentistry concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and
treatment of diseases or injuries to the dental pulp.
What is dental pulp?
The pulp is the soft tissue that contains the blood vessels, nerves and
connective tissue of a tooth. It lies in a canal that runs through the
center of the dentin- the hard tissue on the inside of the tooth that
supports the outer layer of tooth enamel. The crown (the portion of the
tooth visible above the gums) contains the pulp chamber. The pulp
extends from this chamber down through the root canal of the tip of the
root in the bone of the jaws. Teeth have only one pulp chamber but may
have more than one root and several root canals.
What happens if the pulp gets injured?
If the injured or diseased pulp is not removed, the tissues surrounding
the root of the tooth can become infected, resulting in pain and
swelling. Even if there is no pain, certain substances released by
bacteriacan damage the bone that anchors the tooth in the jaw. Without
treatment, the tooth may have to be removed.
Why couldn't you just remove the tooth?
There are many disadvantages to loosing a natural tooth. When a tooth
is removed and not replaced, the adjacent teeth may begin to shift from
their normal position. This may cause the teeth to become crooked or
crowded, which decreases biting and chewing efficiency. Crowded or
crooked teeth may be more prone to gum disease because they are harder
to keep clean than properly aligned teeth. A replacement tooth (an
implant or bridge) is usually more expensive than endodontic treatment
and can involve more extensive dental procedures to adjacent teeth. A
natural tooth is normally better than an artificial tooth.
What does treatment involve?
Treatment usually involves from one to three visits. During treatment,
Dr. Bailey removes the diseased pulp. The pulp chamber and root
canal(s) area then cleaned, shaped, filled and sealed off from the bone
surrounding the root. In case of considerable tooth structure loss, a
metal or plastic rod or post may be placed in the root canal for
support, and a crown is usually placed over the tooth.
What material will be used for the crown?
Crowns are made from a number of materials. Gold allots or non-precious
alloys, porcelain or ceramic, acrylic or composite resin or
combinations of these materials may be used. The type of material used
for the crown will depend on a number of factors including where the
tooth is located in your mouth, the color of the tooth and the amount
of natural tooth remaining. One of the things we will discuss with you
is which options are best for your individual situation.
How long will my restored tooth last?
As long as the root(s) of the treated tooth is nourished by the tissues
around it, your tooth can remain healthy. However, the tooth could
still become decayed, so good oral hygiene at home and regular dental
exams are necessary to help prevent both tooth decay and periodontal
(gum) disease.
Serving Waukesha, Oconomowoc, and Hartland Wisconsin,
Bailey Family Dental is most concerned with your comfort. Hartland Dentists Drs Terese and Richard Bailey and their friendly staff will explain treatment options and give estimates before you begin your treatments. To learn more, feel free to go to our website at www.bailyfamilydental.com, or call us at 262-369-8633. Our office is located at 557 Cottonwood avenue, Hartland Wisconsin.
