Is one of your teeth giving you trouble? Have you been living with this discomfort for some time? Does it seem like your daily routine gets interrupted because of the discomfort you feel? If so, you could have an infection in your tooth that can be treated with a root canal.

What is a root canal?
A root canal is a procedure that can be done to try to save a tooth when the pulp, a small thin tissue in your tooth, is damaged or diseased. To access the pulp, our dentistss will need to make a small opening in the crown or the back of the tooth. The diseased tissue can then be removed, and the chamber cleaned, enlarged and shaped in preparation to be filled permanently. Typically, the tooth’s chamber and root canal will be filled with a rubbery material called a gutta-percha that will be cemented into place. A dental crown can then complete the procedure and restore the tooth’s natural function and appearance.

How long can the restored tooth last?
If properly maintained, the restored tooth can potentially last a lifetime. Good dental hygiene is vital because dental decay can still happen on the outside surfaces of the tooth. Regular exams and checkups can help check for signs of developing issues.

You should also remember that your tooth will no longer have pulp keeping it alive. This can make your tooth more brittle and prone to fracturing. You should consider this while deciding on whether or not to completely fill the tooth or to finish the restoration with a crown.

If you want more information about root canals in the Hamilton, Montana, area, call Mountain Peak Dental today at 406-363-4010. Drs. Davidson and Seamons would be happy to help you smile once again.