Loving the smile you are in is a major goal that many individuals aim to achieve. Your dentist also encourages cosmetic smile upkeep, but also emphasizes the importance of oral health as a priority. In fact, your oral health is affected by such a wide variety of concerns that ensuring its proper care is a lifelong, never-ending process. Still, threats such as decay and infection can significantly break down all of the effort you have put into your health, and it is imperative to seek assistance as soon as possible. In today’s blog, your Cedar Rapids, IA dentist takes a look at the manner in which decay progresses and infects the inside of a tooth, as well as how a root canal treatment may be able to help.
When A Tooth Becomes Compromised
Dental decay is arguably the most common threat to anyone’s smile, as bacteria-laden plaque tends to develop as the day goes on. When the harmful bacteria that lead to decay are left to thrive and remain relatively protected, they will undoubtedly cause complications.
In its earliest stages, decay presents itself as a small hole in a tooth known as a cavity. In many cases, a simple dental filling is enough to handle the situation and prevent progression. If it is allowed to persist, however, the infection will spread deeper and deeper into your tooth and begin to affect the inner dental pulp and nerves contained within a structure.
If the concern progresses much past this, however, you are likely on the verge of losing a tooth entirely. To avoid the negative effects of spreading infection, our team recommends attending your routine checkups so that we can assist in monitoring minor concerns and ensuring they do not develop into major ones.
Restoration Through Root Canal Therapy
If decay spreads inside a structure, the dental pulp and nerves are at risk. At this stage, you may begin to experience sharp pains, sensitivity, and even difficulty in function. Cavities themselves can be difficult to spot with the naked eye, but once you begin to experience pain, know that the problem is likely larger than you expect.
In order to alleviate this pain and prevent your tooth loss, your dentist may recommend a root canal treatment. This process involves removing the infected pulp and filling the open canals with a dental material. The procedure is complete with the placement of a crown to ensure proper healing.
Enjoying Your Natural Teeth
The last thing you or your dentist wants is for you to lose a natural structure. Afterall, adult teeth are permanent and once one is gone, it is gone for good. If you have any questions about the process itself or would like to speak to our team, reach out to our front desk today.
Learn More Today
Contact Cedar Dental in Cedar Rapids, IA by calling 319-364-7108 to learn more about your options or schedule an appointment with our team.
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