How Does Root Canal Treatment Prevent Tooth Loss Brentwood, CA

Brentwood, CA area patients ask, how does root canal treatment prevent tooth loss?

Posted By Dr. Jamil Alkhoury

At the practice of Dr. Jamil Alkhoury, patients in and around the community of Brentwood, CA can obtain a wide range of treatments for their smile. General, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services are offered at Brentwood Family Dental for patients of all ages. Additionally, there are situations that may arise that can negatively impact a patient’s smile. For example, patients who are told that root canal treatment may help in preventing tooth loss are often interested in learning more. How does root canal treatment allow patients to keep their natural teeth? By saving it!

Root canal treatment explained

When men and women hear the words “root canal,” they often cringe at the idea of this oral surgical procedure. However, root canal treatments are nothing to be afraid of. In fact, they often relieve patients of pain—not cause it. By understanding how the treatment works, patients are often less afraid of undergoing treatment.

Root canal treatment is a procedure that is done for patients who are faced with the possibility of extracting a tooth due to:

Abscess
Large cavities
Trauma/injury
Infection
Inflammation

These issues can impact the health of the smile and put a tooth at risk for extraction. By performing a root canal treatment, most patients can keep the tooth in place and avoid having it removed and replaced.

The procedure itself is painless and comfortable. Dr. Jamil Alkhoury starts the procedure with proper anesthetics and sedation to get patients restful for the treatment. Then, the dentist accesses the inner area of the tooth, called the canals, to remove the dental pulp. This is a mass of tissues, nerves, and vessels that keep the tooth alive. By removing the dental pulp, the tooth becomes “dead” and will not cause patients to feel discomfort or pain. It also maintains the tooth structure in place and keeps patients from needing tooth replacements such as bridges, dentures, or dental implants.

Schedule Your Appointment Today (925) 344-5296

What happens to the tooth after it is treated?

After the dental pulp has been removed, the tooth may become weaker and brittle. Because of this, the tooth may be covered with a porcelain dental crown to give it an extra layer of protection from breakage. This dental crown is made after the tooth is prepared and impressions are made. This allows the new custom restoration to fit perfectly over the tooth to strengthen it. Patients will need to take great care of the dental crown, which will last approximately a decade or longer with proper care. The tooth underneath may still be susceptible to periodontal disease and tooth decay, so routine evaluations are necessary and should be done every six months. By visiting the dentist twice, a year, patients can monitor their smile for any changes that may be an indication of a problem such as periodontal disease or decay and seek immediate intervention. Proactive oral health care habits are a proper foundation for any healthy smile!

How will I know if I need root canal therapy?

Your dentist will evaluate your smile and let you know if root canal therapy is the best treatment based on your specific needs. This examination checks for signs of periodontal disease, tooth decay, and may include x-rays to check the health of the tooth root and the inner areas of the tooth. This allows our team to diagnose a problem and make an appropriate suggestion in terms of the treatment needed to maintain oral health and wellness.

If you are in need of root canal therapy, the only alternative is to extract the tooth. By moving forward with root canal therapy, patients can take the first step in maintaining their natural tooth and avoiding removal. This also saves money when it comes to seeking replacements such as dental bridges, dental implants, and even partial or full dentures.

Ready to learn more about how root canal therapy can help your smile?

Contact Dr. Jamil Alkhoury of Brentwood Family Dental today to discuss your needs. The practice, located at 4411 Balfour Road, Ste. C can be reached by calling 925-344-5296. Our facility is always welcoming new patients and families who are interested in obtaining the quality care they deserve at a price they can afford.

Dr. Jamil Alkhoury

Dr Jamil Alkhoury believes dentists to be artists. Taking care of another person’s teeth is definitely an art in which Dr Jamil Alkhoury is an expert. Having graduated from University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) with a degree in Advanced Education in General Dentistry, he has always focused on the well-being of his patients. Brentwood family dental headed by Dr Jamil Alkhoury offers a wide range of services. He always keeps in touch with the developments in the field, to serve his purpose to the best of his abilities.

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