Chances are that you or a family member have been told that a root canal is necessary to save a tooth. Or perhaps root canal therapy is already underway. In either case, it’s important that you understand what will happen during root canal treatment and why this procedure is necessary to save a tooth.

Root canal therapy (endodontics) treats disorders of the nerve of the tooth. It used to be that a tooth with a diseased or infected nerve had to be removed. In 95 percent of these cases today, however, this is no longer true. Dr. Rosenthal believes in saving teeth (instead of removing them) and we will make every effort to save yours.

There are several reasons why a root canal might be necessary. The most common are:

• Trauma-a physical blow to a tooth or a constant striking of a tooth in the opposite jaw that traumatizes the tooth.
• Physical irritation-deep decay or a very large filling that has broken or decayed.

Regardless of the initial cause, the tooth pulp becomes irritated and an infection or abcess occurs. Bacteria from your saliva grow within the tooth pulp, causing pressure and pain. In some cases the face may swell. Eventually the pulp dies, causing the bone around the tooth to be destroyed.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a great solution to replacing teeth that have to be removed as a result of infection, gum disease or trauma. They also give retention and stability to dentures and can completely eliminate the need for a removable partial denture.

Dental implants are made of various bio-materials, usually titanium. These are surgically placed into the jawbone to anchor permanent replacement teeth. Replacement teeth are then attached to the part of the implant that projects from the gums. Approved dental implant systems are very successful. In fact, some have lasted more than 20 years with a better than 90 percent success rate.

Dental implants replace the form and function of missing teeth. They support replacement teeth in the same way that your tooth roots support your natural teeth.

Crown and Bridge Treatment

Crown and bridge treatment is a long-term method of replacing missing teeth. A crown is placed on an individual tooth, (somewhat like a thimble over your finger) where there is no longer sufficient tooth structure left to place a filling.

A bridge spans a space where one or more teeth have been lost in the dental arch. The teeth on either end of the span are crowned, and are referred to as abutments. The false teeth in a bridge that join the abutmentts are referred to as pontics.

Crowns and bridges are most often made from superior materials such as precious metals, semi-precious metals, porcelain, or a combination of metal fused to porcelain.

A Final Word

Throughout your dental procedure you may have many other questions or concerns not covered on this Web site. We will make every effort to ensure your comfort during your procedure. And we’re happy to answer any questions you may have. Our concern at Dr. Rosenthal's is your comfort and confidence. Our goal is to help preserve your smile for a lifetime.

The information contained in this site should not be used in place of a dentist or qualified dental provider. Vistors are urged to have a good relationship with a dentist. Please consult your dentist before any treatment or therapy is initiated.