Dental decay and infection are among the most common oral health threats out there, and millions of patients face their effects every year. What’s more? Decay is especially a troubling issue, as it may not even be noticeable in its earliest stages. This means that your condition could have progressed significantly before you realized, resulting in the need for more extensive treatment to address. In today’s blog, your Leawood, KS dentist explains how dental infection spreads inside of your teeth, and how root canal therapy can mitigate damage while restoring your natural smile.
Before You Know it
Tooth decay occurs when oral bacteria that are present in your grin feed off of the sugars from foods you consume, which then causes them to produce a destructive acid. This material actively weakens your tooth structure, and before you know it, a small hole known as a cavity has formed.
Although many people face the effects of cavities every year, the true concern happens when you do not seek proper treatment. You see, time is not on your side when it comes to oral health, and the longer you put off that necessary treatment or six-month checkup, the worse your situation will become.
Indeed, the last thing a person wants is to lose a natural tooth, but that very well may be your reality if you choose to wait on care. Because of this, your dentist recommends acting sooner rather than later by attending twice-a-year dental checkups. This allows our team to monitor your grin, and ideally, prevent minor concerns from developing into major ones. For more information about this process, reach out to our team today.
The Impact on Function
After a cavity has begun to spread and work its way deeper and deeper into your tooth, you can expect to experience an impact on your oral function. You see, the infection begins to target the sensitive tissues contained in your teeth roots, including the nerves that are housed there. This can lead to sharp pains, difficulty biting and chewing, and more.
Without proper and efficient care, your condition will worsen until you are facing the possibility of losing one or more teeth due to extraction or falling out. Fortunately, our team may be able to help mitigate damage and preserve your natural tooth with root canal treatment.
Treatment that Helps
Root canal treatment consists of carefully but thoroughly removing the infected portions of dental pulp from the roots of your teeth, then filling the open canals with dental material to provide protection and durability. Finally, the treatment is completed by placing a crown atop the structure, and you are all set.
Schedule Your Visit
To learn more about the need for restorative dentistry or to schedule your appointment with our team, contact Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS by calling 913-681-5500 today.
