Root Canal Therapy: Protecting the Tooth from Future Infection

Thinking you need to undergo a root canal to save one of your teeth? A general dentist is the type of dental professional who typically performs this type of oral surgery often. The fact that root canal therapy is necessary to save an infected tooth makes it a good idea for patients to learn more about the process.

About root canal therapy

Since teeth are not solid and instead are made up of layers, it is possible for the pulp inside of the tooth to become infected. The reason for the infection is due to bacteria entering the inside of a tooth, as bacteria can enter a tooth via a cavity, a chip or a crack in the tooth. Root canals are performed in order to remove this infection, which in turn allows the tooth to once again be healthy.

How to prevent future infection problems

The last thing someone wants to experience is another tooth infection, as this requires them to undergo additional dental treatment. The list below includes three ways a previously treated tooth can potentially become infected once again.

The dental crown is not properly protecting the tooth

Dental crowns are commonly used after someone undergoes root canal therapy. Once a tooth has undergone a root canal, it is necessary to use a restoration option in order to make the tooth strong so it can remain in the mouth, e.g., crowns, inlays, onlays. If the placement of the crown was not done correctly or was delayed for a long amount of time, it increases one’s chances of experiencing reinfection of the tooth.

The first infection was not completely removed

While it can sometimes be difficult to completely remove an infection in a tooth, it is essential for the entire infection to be removed or otherwise the tooth can become reinfected. There are a few different ways a tooth can become infected again, that missed nerve tissue being one of the more common. It is also important for dental patients to be sure to take their prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed, as this helps to ensure that the infection is completely gone.

All of the canals were not addressed

It is crucial that all of the root canals in an affected tooth are thoroughly cleaned and properly prepared for restoration treatment. An additional reason for a tooth’s canals to potentially become infected again includes that the canal was not filed down wide enough or long enough, as it is essential for the canals to be a certain size. The size of the canals is important because if the disinfectant solution applied to the canals does not reach all of the areas it is supposed to, reinfection can occur.

General dentists save teeth

General dentists are very versatile in their services, making them a dental professional who is considered to be a primary dentist. When a general dentist determines that one of their patients has one or more infected teeth, the next step is performing a root canal to save the teeth. Since precautions are put in place after the therapy is over, this helps to minimize the chances of a future infection in that tooth.

Request an appointment here: https://clarisseatakhaniandds.com or call Clarisse Atakhanian DDS Inc. at (818) 483-9071 for an appointment in our Glendale office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Canal in Glendale, CA.

 

Recent Posts

How Long Does Root Canal Treatment Last?

Root canal treatment is used to save a tooth when its pulp chamber has been damaged, as the blood vessels, connective tissues, and nerves in the pulp chamber are exposed to harmful irritants like bacteria and the acids that they produce. Root canal treatment involves the dentist removing the soft tissues in the pulp to…

Why A Root Canal Treatment Is Done

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, isn’t something most people think about daily, but it’s one of the most common treatments available. If you experience pain in your teeth and are considering treatment, then you may have heard of endodontic therapy, which can save your teeth and make sure you have good oral…

7 Rules To Make Your Dental Check-Up Easier

The purpose of a dental check-up goes further than merely getting your teeth cleaned. It is also an opportunity for a dentist to evaluate the patient's mouth and come up with a treatment plan for any issues that may not be known by the patient. Regular visits to the dentist's clinic are an integral part…

Visit Your Glendale Dentist To Catch Conditions Early

At your Glendale dentist, we know that the secret to great teeth is consistency and regular visits to the dentist for an examination and cleaning. While we understand that visiting the dentist is probably not the first thing on your “fun things to schedule today” list, we also know there are intrinsic benefits to seeing…

Dr. Clarisse Atakhanian

Share
Published by
Dr. Clarisse Atakhanian

Recent Posts

4 Things You May Not Have Known About Clear Braces

Many have heard about clear braces, but it is helpful to understand more about what…

3 weeks ago

The Dental Bridge Procedure: A Step-By-Step Guide

A dental bridge might be the right treatment if you have lost one or more…

2 months ago

When Should You Replace an Old Dental Filling?

Replacing old dental fillings is a part of good oral healthcare from time to time.

3 months ago

The Role of a Family Dentist in Preventive Care

Family dentists typically focus on preventive care to stop big problems while they are still…

4 months ago

How Preventive Dentistry Can Catch Signs of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can occur in any part of the oral cavity, including the lips, tonsils,…

5 months ago

Decay Prevention and Other Benefits of Using a Dental Sealant

Dental sealants provide extra protection to teeth, especially for those more prone to tooth decay.

6 months ago