Our teeth don’t ‘grow’ and the enamel has no living cells; sometimes, we forget that teeth are alive. We are reminded that they have active nerves when we have a toothache or sudden sensitivity to hot or cold food. Like other organs, teeth need a blood supply to stay alive and healthy.
Veins, arteries, lymph vessels and nerves live below the enamel and dentin in the pulp of the tooth. The tooth eventually dies without blood flow. What can cause blood flow problems? Injury, trauma, infection, large fillings, and multiple restorations can impact a tooth’s blood supply.
The Solution? Root Canals
Your dentist may administer root canal therapy to save a dead tooth. The soft tissue in the root of the tooth is removed. Once the roots are cleaned out and widened, they are filled with a special rubber material. The root canal is only the first step in the complete tooth restoration. The final steps include building up the core and placing the crown.
Root canals typically last many years, but not always. Inadequate oral hygiene, decay, periodontal disease, an undetected crack, abscess, or degradation of root canal sealing materials can all cause a root canal to fail.
Next Steps
How do you know if you have a dead or dying tooth? Communicate with Dr. Harris immediately if you experience tenderness or pain, hot or cold sensitivity, tooth discoloration, tooth injury, gum swelling, gum pain, or lymph node tenderness or drainage. Keep in mind, however, that sometimes there are no noticeable symptoms. That is why it is critical to visit your dentist regularly for a thorough dental examination and dental cleaning.
In addition to endodontic therapy, we are dedicated to patient-oriented general and cosmetic dentistry. You can count on Harris Dental for: sedation dentistry, CEREC same-day crowns, dental implants, and cosmetic dentistry.
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