Whether you are aware of it or not, taking care of your smile is a lifelong process. Sure, it is natural if you accidentally forget to brush due to rushing out the door or some other instance, but consistently avoiding dental care will only result in the onset of major infections and other concerns. You see, your routine checkups and cleanings are meant to help you maintain a consistent level of health, and alongside your at-home routine, are the only way to prevent infections from claiming your smile. In today’s blog, your Kansas City, MO dentist discusses the way tooth decay infects your oral structures and how a root canal procedure may be able to help.
How Fast it Can Spread
When we ask our patients their thoughts on the most common oral health threat out there, more often than not, they respond with tooth decay. Indeed, tooth decay affects millions of people every single year. What’s more? Even greater numbers of people are unable to receive appropriate treatment in a timely manner because they were unaware there was even an issue, to begin with! But how is this so?
You see, tooth decay begins on a microscopic level as oral bacteria nestle into the hard to access areas of the mouth. From here, they feed off of the food you consume, with items such as sugar causing them to produce a destructive acid. This acid then plays a role in wearing down your tooth’s enamel and bone, essentially creating a tunnel into the inner workings of the tooth. If this process is allowed to continue, you will soon face the potential of losing a permanent tooth. To learn more about this process, give our team a call today.
Placing Structures at Risk
When the infection reaches your teeth roots, it will begin to cause even more damage. This can be felt as discomfort, sharp pains, and major sensitivity. In addition to this, a damaged tooth can throw a wrench into daily tasks and activities such as biting, chewing, and other processes that contribute to eating. Further, the longer you wait to seek treatment, the worse the situation will become. Contact our team today to learn what your treatment options may look like.
The Role of Root Canal Therapy
In order to avoid losing a tooth permanently, your dentist will likely recommend the help of root canal therapy. This process involves carefully but thoroughly removing the infection and filling the open canals with dental material to reinforce structural support. Not only does this process provide relief for painful infections, but can salvage potentially lost structures and allow you to keep your natural teeth.
Schedule an Appointment
To learn more about the need for restorative dental treatment, contact Delightful Dental Care in Kansas City, MO by calling 816-942-7669 and schedule your next appointment with our office today.