Why Root Canals in Worthington are so Important for Your Health

Root canals in Worthington are an effective and often essential treatment for dead and dying teeth. Some people think that their problem is over once the nerves in a distressed tooth die. In reality the threat to their health is only beginning. The bacteria that caused the damage can spread throughout the mouth, requiring aggressive treatment to correct.

What Causes Nerve Death in Teeth?

If you could look at a cross-section of a typical tooth, you would see that the exterior is covered in a strong, white material called enamel. The inside of the tooth is filled with a soft, semi-liquid material called dental pulp. The pulp is filled with nerves and blood vessels. Its job is to keep the entire tooth strong and healthy.

Unfortunately, your teeth have a natural enemy in the form of decay-causing bacteria. These malicious microorganisms live in your mouth, scavenging nutrition from food particles. They especially enjoy sugar, which is why dentists recommend that you limit consumption of sugary snacks and desserts. By ignoring their advice you set yourself up for toothaches and infection.

Harmful bacteria secrete acid as they digest food. This corrosive liquid erodes teeth enamel, creating cavities. When this happens, the bacteria launch an all-out attack on the pulp within.

Your body has a defense system against these intruders, of course. But it can only fend them off for so long. Eventually the germs get the upper hand and begin to feast on the inside of the tooth.

In the process they cause inflammation, which presses against the nerves surrounding the tooth. When this happens, a toothache is usually the result.

Eventually the bacteria will destroy the blood vessels and nerves that keep the tooth alive. But they won’t stop there. They will move on to the bones beneath your gum line. As for the tooth itself, it becomes brittle and easy to damage.

When a tooth infection gets this far, fixing the problem requires either an extraction or root canal from an emergency dentist in Worthington. Most dentists avoid extractions whenever possible, as even a single missing tooth can weaken the remaining teeth.

As with most health problems, the best treatment for tooth infection is prevention. Unfortunately, dental medicine knows of no way to rid your mouth of dangerous bacteria completely. However, you can help to control the problem by brushing 2-3 times a day, flossing daily, eating a tooth-friendly diet, and seeing your dentist twice a year for exams and cleanings.

Certain non-food substances can also promote tooth decay. Tobacco is the most common example. Cigarettes, cigars, smoking pipes, snuff, and even vaping products can all have devastating effects, both for your oral health and your entire body. Alcohol and illicit drugs carry similar risks.

Your dental health is too important to ignore. Use the information in this post to safeguard your teeth and gums from infection. The effort you put forth will pay for itself many times over in the years to come.

About the Author

Dr. LJ Adam has been providing top-notch dental services to our community for almost 15 years. Dr. Adam is highly skilled in preventative and restorative dentistry. This makes him an excellent resource for patients in need of crowns, bridges, root canals, or simply a second opinion. You can reach his office online or by calling (724) 297-3446.