Root canals explained by a holistic dentist in Mesa, AZ
Patients who visit their dentist in Mesa, AZ with tooth pain caused by an infection may be told that they require a specialized procedure to bring the smile back to health. This procedure, called root canal therapy, is a treatment that is provided and explained by the dentist and his team at New Health Dental to patients who are unsure what this treatment entails.
Root canals explained
Inside of a tooth is tissue known as the dental pulp. This houses the nerves and the blood supply to the tooth to keep it alive and help it in feeling sensations. When the area has been infected or diseased, it can become extremely painful, resulting in a severe toothache. Patients often visit Dr. Edward Fritz of New Health Dental at this point for an evaluation and to find a solution to the problem. The best way to treat this issue is with root canal therapy. This procedure removes the dental pulp from inside of the tooth and fills it with a material called gutta percha. Then the tooth is sealed with composite resin and often, a porcelain dental crown. This ensures the tooth is protected and strengthened to avoid damage later on. The entire process from start to finish is handled by our dentist, eliminating the need for patients to be referred to another professional for treatment. This allows our patients to enjoy services with a dental professional they already know and trust in the area of Mesa, Arizona.
Existing Patients call (480) 830-3305 or
Schedule an Appointment today.
What might cause a patient to require root canal therapy?
There are several issues that can arise within a tooth that may require a patient to consider root canal therapy.
- Damage to the dental pulp due to injury to the tooth
- Infection of the dental pulp caused by a deep, untreated cavity
- An infection caused by bacteria entering into the canals of the tooth
- An abscess
What is the alternative to root canal therapy?
The only other way to treat a tooth that has been damaged in this way is with extraction. Extracting a tooth is a rather simple procedure. However, the replacement of the tooth can be expensive. Patients who remove the tooth will need to place a false tooth to keep the teeth from shifting. This may be done with:
- Dentures
- Bridges
- Dental implants
Some of these can be costly and may require continued care throughout the rest of the patient’s life. Instead, root canal therapy is far less invasive and is done in just one appointment. It can save the structure of the tooth and eliminate the need for further treatment. Dr. Edward Fritz finds root canal therapy to be the best option for an individual who is faced with infection, disease, or damage to the dental pulp.
Who is a candidate?
Any patient who has a condition that is affecting the dental pulp may be able to enjoy the benefits of root canal therapy as a solution to their problem. It is the most desirable option, especially when patients are faced with the removal of their teeth if they do not undergo treatment. To determine if root canal therapy is appropriate, the dentist will take a series of x-rays and check the health of the smile at the same time. Patients are advised as to how the procedure is done and what the benefits of root canal therapy are, so they can make an educated decision in regard to how to continue. We highly recommend root canal therapy rather than extraction, as the procedure can be extremely successful in saving the natural tooth.
Schedule a visit with Dr. Edward Fritz and his team today!
Call (480) 830-3305 today to book an appointment and learn more about the advantages of undergoing root canal therapy instead of extracting permanent adult teeth. Our practice is conveniently located at 2830 East Brown Road, Suite #9 in Mesa, AZ, though many of our patients drive from Phoenix for quality care. At New Health Dental, we work hard to ensure your smile is well-cared for and protected against problems, while also addressing concerns as they arise for better oral health and wellness.
