The dental community has seen great advancements when it comes to restorative dentistry. From dental crowns, bridges, dental implants, and even dentures, the look and feel you receive from these artificial replacements are quite impressive. However, nothing can compare to the functionality of your natural teeth, which is why your dentist will go to great lengths to help you keep your real pearly whites, especially when one is infected. If you think extraction is the best way to treat an infected tooth, don’t be surprised if your endodontist suggests a root canal in Saratoga. Find out why.
What is a Root Canal?
It can be difficult to describe the pain that can occur when damage or decay reaches the inner layer of your tooth. Often bringing immense discomfort, a person will scramble to find just about any method of relief when this type of problem occurs. Luckily, a root canal can provide the welcomed relief a person needs.
Your endodontist in Saratoga will drill a small hole into the surface of your tooth and clean out the decayed portion of the tooth. Once everything is clean, they will fill it before sealing the tooth to prevent further infection or damage. Then, a crown will be placed over the tooth to provide added protection.
Why is it Important to Preserve the Natural Tooth?
If you’re wondering why an endodontist wouldn’t just recommend an extraction, it’s because your natural teeth provide the necessary stimulation your jawbone needs to stay strong and healthy. Additionally, natural teeth make it easier for a person to eat, speak, chew, and maintain good oral hygiene.
To help you better understand how important natural teeth are in the grand scheme, here are a few different scenarios:
- Speaking or Eating: Natural teeth are a natural extension of your bone, and this makes it much easier to eat, chew, and speak. Artificial teeth do not have the same sensations, and they don’t absorb the beneficial nutrients food, water, and other substances can provide to natural teeth.
- Cleaning: If you want to keep your teeth as healthy as possible, make sure to brush and floss regularly to maintain your teeth. Oftentimes, with artificial teeth, you need special products or tools to keep them clean, whereas, a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash are all you need for natural teeth.
- Healthy bone structure: Your jawbone helps to keep your teeth in place. When this bone begins to deteriorate because of poor oral hygiene or injury, it can lead to a host of oral problems, including facial collapse, shifting teeth, tooth loss, gum disease, and other health-related conditions. Keeping your natural teeth means greater bone stability for a happy, complete smile.
There might be a variety of ways to replace your teeth, but rest assured, keeping your natural teeth is the best way to go. Only in dire circumstances will your endodontist recommend an extraction, so if you learn you need a root canal, don’t fear. Trust that your dental team is looking out for your best interest and that is helping you keep your natural teeth.
About the Author
Dr. An Nguyen earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. She also received specialty training in endodontics at the Saint Louis University Center for Advanced Dental Education. As an accomplished endodontist at Endodontic Associates – Saratoga, she and her team strive to preserve the patient’s smile at all costs. Unless circumstances call for an extraction, you can be sure that Dr. Nguyen will do everything she can to help you keep your natural teeth. To find out more about our services, visit our website or call (408) 255-6511.
