8 Interesting Facts That You Have to Know About Endodontics

In the recent past, there was no hope for your diseased or damaged tooth. Any visit to a dentist would end up in tooth extraction. Not anymore. Today, your infected tooth can be saved through endodontic therapy. The main idea behind endodontics is to keep your natural smile by trying as much as possible to treat the root canal. The procedure involves the treatment of the pulp, which is the softer inner tissue of the teeth. While all dentists are trained in endodontic treatment and diagnosis, some teeth and gum diseases can be challenging to diagnose and treat. This is why you need a root canal and endodontic services. In this article, we will review some endodontics fun facts that are less known. Read on to find out more.The perception of root canals being painful began decades ago but with modern technologies and anesthetics, root canal treatment today is no more uncomfortable than having a filling placed. A recent survey showed that patients who have experienced root canal treatment are six times more likely to describe it as painless than patients who have not had root canal treatment.Most patients see their dentist or endodontist when they have severe toothache. The toothache can be caused by damaged tissues in the tooth. Root canal treatment removes this damaged tissue from the tooth, thereby relieving the pain you feel.Several endodontic myths are claiming that root canal treatment cause illness. however, there is no valid, scientific evidence linking root canal-treated teeth and disease elsewhere in the body. Decades of research since the 1930s have contradicted Dr. Price’s findings and more recent research continues to support the safety of dental treatment as it relates to overall health.The presence of bacteria in teeth and the mouth has been an accepted fact for many years. But the presence of bacteria does not constitute infection and is not necessarily a threat to a person’s health. Bacteria are present in the mouth and teeth at all times, even in teeth that have never had a cavity or other trauma. Research shows that the healthy immune system takes care of bacteria in a matter of minutes.When a severe infection in a tooth requires endodontic treatment, that treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal and prevent re-infection of the tooth.Tooth extraction is a potentially traumatic procedure and is known to cause a significantly higher incidence of bacteria entering the bloodstream; endodontic treatment confined to the root canal system produces much less trauma and a much lower incidence and magnitude of bacteria entering the bloodstream.There is no adequate replacement for the natural tooth, therefore it should be saved whenever possible. Root canal treatment, along with appropriate restoration, is a cost-effective way to treat infected teeth because it is usually less expensive than the extraction and placement of an implant. In most cases, endodontic treatment allows patients to keep their natural teeth for a lifetime.Nothing can completely replace your natural tooth. An artificial tooth can sometimes cause you to avoid certain foods. Keeping your teeth is important so that you can continue to enjoy the wide variety of foods necessary to maintain the proper nutrient balance in your diet. If your dentist recommends extraction, ask whether root canal treatment is an option.Endodontic treatment, along with appropriate restoration, is a cost-effective way to treat teeth with damaged pulp and is usually less expensive than extraction and placement of a bridge or an implant.Endodontic treatment also has a very high success rate. Many root canal-treated teeth last a lifetime. Placement of a bridge or an implant will require significantly more time in treatment and may result in further procedures to adjacent teeth and supporting tissues.Millions of healthy teeth serve patients all over the world, years after treatment. Those healthy teeth are helping patients chew efficiently, maintain the natural appearance of their smiles, and enhance their enjoyment of life. Endodontists and dentists worldwide enable patients to keep their natural teeth for a lifetime through endodontic treatment.Root canals are not only designed to save living teeth but also to keep dead teeth from becoming infected. A tooth is not just enamel; it also contains nerves and tissue that can become infected or inflamed. A tooth dies when the blood supply to the nerve of the tooth root is cut off. Sometimes the patient is not aware of the pain, even if a root canal is needed. Root canals can prevent the bacteria from getting multiplied inside the dead tooth and the surrounding bone.Root canals can be completed in as little as one or two appointments. It may need a follow-up just to be sure the tooth is fine after the procedure. Whereas tooth extraction requires several visits because dental implants are required to prevent the surrounding teeth from shifting. Hence an endodontic treatment is dependent on the condition of the tooth that determines the number of visits required.This is true because otherwise, it would defeat the purpose of the root canal, to begin with. It makes no sense to go through the trouble of removing the infected tissue and nerves without properly sealing and protecting it afterward.Root canals often allow patients to keep the affected tooth for the rest of their lives. A root canal is designed to stop infections before they start. The success rate is near 95% and 89% of patients are satisfied after root canal treatment by an endodontist.Root canals are designed to save the tooth and prevent extraction. The surface of the root is still alive.So this is all you need to know about endodontic facts. For a conclusion note, it is better to save your natural tooth rather than extracting it. To learn fun facts about orthodontics, endodontics, and other types of affordable dental care, talk to your dentist.