Dental caries or tooth decay is a prevalent diet-related dental issue that causes mineral loss from deciduous and permanent teeth. Dental caries is among the world’s most common health issues. Cavities usually affect kids, teenagers and senior citizens. Bear in mind, though; cavities can affect anyone.
But it would be best if you didn’t let tooth decay dictate the fate of your teeth when our dentist in West Hollywood, CA, can treat decayed teeth. Untreated tooth decay can eventually lead to tooth loss. That’s why there is root canal therapy to help deal with decay that has affected the inner parts of the teeth.
However, most people might be concerned about the root canal procedure and what might happen to the teeth after a root canal. But before we explore the root canal procedure, let’s check out what decay does to the teeth.
There’s no denying it; our mouths are full of bacteria, good and harmful. Harmful bacteria play a role in causing tooth decay. The bacteria will always swarm to consume the food debris stuck on and between the teeth. When this happens, they form a sticky substance comprised of food debris, bacteria and saliva.
The bacteria in plaque will consume the sugar present in the starchy foods and sugary drinks you take. They will then convert the sugars and produce acids that slowly remove the minerals on your teeth. When you don’t brush your teeth to remove the plaque and add lost minerals to the teeth, then cavities develop.
When your teeth lose minerals, they lose their structural integrity, hence the formation of holes. Once the process of losing minerals begins, your teeth become weak. If decay takes its toll on your teeth, permanent damage will render them weak.
The good thing about living in our era is that there are solutions that can help treat tooth decay. Root canal therapy is one of the preferred solutions when dealing with tooth decay that has reached in the inner parts of the tooth.
Root canal therapy is performed to remove the infected pulp. Our root canal specialist will use local anesthesia to numb the tooth before commencing the procedure. The next thing is to gain access to the inner parts of the tooth (pulp) by drilling. Then, the decayed part, including the dental pulp, will be removed.
Once the decay is out, our dentist will flood the canal with antibiotics to ensure that bacteria are dealt with. The canal will be dried; then shaped to accommodate a permanent filling.
Since root canal therapy involves the removal of the dental pulp, the tooth will become hollow. Therefore, you can expect that the tooth will become weaker. Our dentist will sometimes have to make the root canal wider to access the root canal.
Some of the chemicals that are used to clean the root canal might weaken the tooth further. But the good part is that we don’t leave your tooth weak. If the remaining tooth structure is too weak, we might reinforce it using a metal post. Then, cap it using a tooth crown.
A tooth crown will not only cover the tooth but also protect it from wear and bite force that might break it.
But, if the tooth is not that weak, we can place a permanent filling, which can still keep the tooth strong.
At the end of your root canal treatment, you might have a stronger tooth than before.
Root canal therapy is a revolutionary treatment that will help save your tooth. However, not every patient is eligible for this treatment. It would be best if you visited our root canal specialist for a dental examination to determine whether the treatment would be the best option for your scenario.
If our dentist carries out the examination and finds out that you need a root canal, you will be scheduled for a root canal.
But if after the examination, there is a chance that you will be better off going for another option, our dentist will explain the options.
In any case, you can contact our dentist in West Hollywood, CA, and book an appointment, and all your questions will be answered.
Time to see a dentist? Let us introduce you to a new level of care at the practice of Dr. Borzoo Ahmadi, DDS, in West Hollywood, CA. Patients from West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and all over the world have unlocked more beautiful smiles and lasting oral health with our help. We can’t wait to show you your most confident smile.Â