Endodontics is primarily thought of as restorative treatment, but it can have cosmetic benefits as well. Your smile is one of the first things that other people notice. A healthy-looking smile can make you look more attractive, compared to having damaged, poorly managed teeth. Restoring the way that a tooth looks can help improve your smile and even give you a nice confidence boost.
Endodontics refers to the treatment performed during root canal therapy. It can restore teeth that have been damaged to the point that their pulp chamber has been compromised. This area contains the tooth’s nerves and blood vessels, and it is meant to be sealed off from the rest of a tooth to protect its contents against bacteria and acids.
A tooth pulp chamber can be opened up by trauma or decay. Once compromised, it leaves the tooth vulnerable to infection, and the person will likely experience painful toothaches.
Endodontics enables the dentist to save teeth that might have otherwise been lost to decay or damage. It keeps the patient’s smile intact so they can confidently display it. Let us take a closer look at a few ways that endodontics can be used to improve the way that the smile looks.
Performing a root canal on a tooth helps preserve it. During the procedure, its pulp chamber is cleaned out, and it is sealed with gutta-percha. The tooth can then be covered with a crown to restore its appearance and protect it against bite forces.
A root canal is often a dentist's last attempt to save a tooth. If the infection in a tooth’s pulp chamber has been allowed to spread into its roots, the dentist might recommend extraction to prevent the disease from spreading to other areas, where it can be life-threatening. Dentists often recommend endodontics as soon as a tooth’s pulp chamber is compromised, to avoid an infection from developing.
Tooth decay can lead to teeth becoming discolored, particularly when the pulp chamber has been compromised. Cleaning out the pulp chamber protects the tooth against infection and reduces the discoloration of the tooth due to decay. As a result, the patient can typically keep their white smile.
Root canal therapy starts with the dentist administering a shot of a local anesthetic. The dentist then uses dental drills to make a hole in the tooth’s pulp chamber and remove the soft tissues with dental files. Next, medication might be applied to the area before the tooth is sealed with gutta-percha. This material helps protect the tooth from further damamge and infection.
The dentist may also place a dental crown on the treated tooth. This is because endodontic treatment can weaken the tooth and make it more prone to fractures.
Tooth decay can affect the way that your smile looks. The Gateway Dental Dr. William Swann DDS team is here to help. Call or stop by our Bowie office to set up a consultation with our dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://www.gatewaydental.org or call Gateway Dental Dr. William Swann DDS at (301) 485-7492 for an appointment in our Bowie office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Endodontics in Bowie, MD.
Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that may be necessary for various reasons, including decay, infection, or overcrowding. After undergoing a tooth extraction, it is crucial to follow proper care instructions to ensure a smooth and successful healing process. Understanding the dos and don'ts after a tooth extraction can help prevent complications, reduce pain,…
Over time, individuals who wear dentures may experience a need for denture repair. The mouth changes, and normal wear and tear can occur, which often results in a need for a rebase or a reline. Individuals who have a damaged or broken denture should consult with a general dentist to determine what the problem is.…
A kids dentist specializes in providing gentle, child-friendly dental care that helps young patients feel comfortable during their visits. Many children experience anxiety when visiting the dentist, making routine checkups challenging for both parents and dental professionals. By choosing a kids dentist, families can ensure a positive experience that encourages good oral health habits. With…
Considering Invisalign® after a tooth relapse? In orthodontics, a tooth relapse occurs when the teeth go back to being crooked after braces treatment. When this happens, it can be easy to want to just ignore it and move on; however, oral health and hygiene are both put back at risk when the teeth are crooked.…
Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that may be necessary for various reasons, including…
Over time, individuals who wear dentures may experience a need for denture repair.
By choosing a kids dentist, families can ensure a positive experience that encourages good oral…
Invisalign® is a form of orthodontic therapy that focuses on straightening crooked or crowding teeth.
Endodontics treatment, which is the treatment of the tooth's inner pulp and structures, is one…
Bone grafts are typically performed using donor materials or synthetic bone tissues that promote the…
