19
May
Can Root Canal Treatment Improve the Health of Your Gums?
Root canal treatment and gum health
Gum and tooth health often go together. If a tooth is in bad shape or becomes lost, then the gums and supporting jawbone may suffer as well. Fortunately, root canal treatment can restore the health of both the damaged tooth as well as the gums and jawbone.
What exactly is a root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is an endodontic procedure that involves removing infected or decayed dental pulp and filling the area with a substitute material (known as gutta-percha). This prevents prolonged or future infections. A dental cap, also called a crown, is placed over the tooth to restore its appearance, function, and size.
The benefits of root canal treatment
As previously mentioned, the purpose of root canal treatment is to restore the health of a tooth and prevent tooth loss. Other benefits of root canal treatment are:
- An improved appearance.
- Easier chewing and biting.
- Alleviation of discomfort.
- Improved tooth function.
- Relief from gum complications.
Root canal treatment is a restorative procedure that aims to restore the function, health, and appearance of the damaged tooth.
Periodontal advantages of root canal treatment
One benefit of root canal treatment that often gets overlooked is that the procedure can improve gum health, as well. Gums support teeth, so when teeth are infected or severely damaged, the gums often suffer. This can lead to symptoms such as gum discomfort, swelling, discoloration, tenderness, and recession. In addition, the jawbone that supports the tooth may become damaged or start to deteriorate, as well. Root canal treatment can address these symptoms and improve periodontal health overall by treating the tooth infection or decay that contributes to gum issues.
The periodontal risks of leaving an infected tooth untreated
Often, the inevitable result of leaving a tooth in need of a root canal untreated is the loss of the tooth. In some cases, an infection can spread to other areas of the mouth as well, which can further damage periodontal health. If the tooth is lost, then bone atrophy can occur in the jaw, leading to the need for a bone graft procedure in order to restore the lost bone. If any signs of a diseased, decayed, or damaged tooth are present, then it is important to see a dental professional as soon as possible.
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Are you experiencing tooth pain or other concerning symptoms?
If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate a possible need for root canal treatment, then contact our office as soon as possible to schedule a visit. We can help ensure the damage to your tooth is minimized and treated, reducing the risk of long-term tooth or gum damage.
Request an appointment or call Randal S. Elloway DDS, Inc at (530) 527-6777 for an appointment in our Red Bluff office.
Randal Elloway, DABOI, FAAID
Dr. Elloway has a Bachelor’s in Biology from La Sierra University and a DDS from Loma Linda University, and brings over 30 years of dental experience to his practice in Red Bluff. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology, a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and a member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and Northern California Dental Society. Dr. Elloway is committed to continuous learning and compassionate care, and volunteers internationally to help needy patients.