¡Cómo un tratamiento de conducto puede salvar tu diente! [Análisis del video]

At Carter-Rockbridge General Dentistry, we believe in restoring your natural teeth whenever possible. Tratamiento de conducto radicular is a way to save an infected tooth from being removed, helping alleviate discomfort and extend its life. Dr. Gloria Stingley, a Norcross dentist, wants you to know exactly how a root canal can save your tooth, as well as what the process actually involves.

Why Might You Need a Root Canal?

Once a cavity (medically called dental caries) has become so deep that it reaches the inner tissue, you may need a root canal.

When you come in for an exam, Dr. Stingley might diagnose it as necrotic. The word sounds scary, but it simply means the tooth’s nerve tissue is dead or dying. She might also diagnose a tooth as having pulpitis, which is inflammation of the inner tissue. When pulpitis is in the early stages, it can sometimes be treated by filling a cavity or sealing a crack in the tooth. More severe pulpitis is irreversible and will often require more extensive intervention.

When a tooth is necrotic or has irreversible pulpitis, root canal therapy can help you maintain that tooth in the mouth and spare it from extraction.

Root Canal Process Explained

The root canal treatment is a way to save the natural tooth from extraction.

First, Dr. Stingley numbs the area. Next, she makes a small opening in the tooth to reach the pulp chamber and root canals. Then she removes the infected or inflamed pulp from the inside of the tooth.

She cleans, disinfects, and shapes the canals. Then she seals the canals with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha to prevent bacteria from re-entering the tooth. She seals the tooth with a filling. In most cases, she’ll place a corona later.

Post-and-Core Treatment

Sometimes the tooth decay is so severe that a large portion of the original tooth structure is missing. A root canal is sometimes still possible on these teeth, but placing a crown immediately after might not be sustainable.

In that case, Dr. Stingley performs an additional procedure after the root canal called a post-and-core to create a more stable restoration.

First, Dr. Stingley ensures that the initial root canal treatment was successful. Next, she removes some of the gutta-percha at the top of the canal to create space for a small post, made of metal or fiber, to be inserted. She cements the post to help retain the core, then builds the core around it to replace the missing tooth structure.

This rebuilt foundation helps support the final crown when much of the natural tooth structure has been lost to decay or fracture.

When an Extraction is Necessary

Sometimes, tooth decay has progressed so severely that a root canal treatment won’t save it, even with a post-and-core. In those cases, Dr. Stingley may recommend an extracción to protect your oral health. This does not have to mean you’ll have an incomplete smile for the rest of your life, thanks to implantes dentales.

A dental implant is a small titanium post that anchors into the jawbone and supports a crown. Traditional implants require a lot of healing time before Dr. Stingley is able to place a final restoration. However, in many cases, she can restore your smile much sooner using less invasive mini implantes dentales. For some patients, she can complete the final restoration in just two visits: the consultation and the implant placement.

To be clear, Dr. Stingley always tries to save the tooth first. Nothing feels quite like your natural tooth. But if your situation calls for an extraction, dental implants provide a way to complete your smile once again.

Come in for a Free Screening

A root canal can save an infected tooth from extraction. Dr. Stingley has extensive experience performing root canal treatment to help patients preserve natural teeth. And if you need an extraction, she can often replace it in just a few appointments with a mini implant and crown.

Dr. Stingley takes pride in restoration and education. The last thing she wants you to do is stay in the dark about the condition of your teeth. So if you think you may need a root canal, come in to our practice for a free screening. Dr. Stingley can discuss your symptoms, take a brief look, and recommend the next step.