Most patients have heard of root canal treatment, but very few people understand how and why root canal treatment becomes necessary. Our Glendale root canal dentist office has put together this explanation of the conditions that lead to root canal therapy. We hope that after reading this, you’ll feel better informed about root canal treatment and how to prevent serious dental problems.
By the time a tooth requires root canal therapy the tooth is already extensively damaged. Root canal treatment is designed to clear out the inner core of the tooth—which holds nerves, tissue, and the root of the tooth. During root canal treatment our dentist essentially cleans out the dental root and surrounding tissues and then fills and reseals the tooth.
Root canal therapy becomes necessary when the inner core of your tooth is already compromised. Dental enamel and dentin are designed to protect the core of your tooth, but when these tooth layers are damaged, the dental pulp and nerve are exposed.
One reason that the dental core can become exposed is through dental neglect and infection. If a cavity is left untreated by a dentist, it will proceed through the dental enamel, to the dentin, and ultimately to the dental root.
Alternatively, dental injury or trauma may expose your dental root, and thus you may require root canal treatment. A chipped or fractured tooth can result from dental trauma or untreated bruxism (dental grinding and clenching).
If you have a tooth that is damaged or infected through to the dental core, root canal therapy can save the appearance and the functionality of your tooth. Our Glendale root canal dentist office can give you more information about root canal therapy—how it works and how preventative treatment can safeguard your teeth. Give us a call to get started!