Dental tooth model showing teeth decay, gums and root canal.It goes without saying that there is a myriad of factors out there that negatively impact your oral health. From incessant teeth-grinding to dental decay and everything else in-between, there is virtually nothing your smile is safe from. Because of this, it is imperative that we pay close attention to our preventive dental care so that we can keep our teeth strong and healthy. Still, decay and other infections have the potential to develop at a much faster rate than you expect, and before you know it, you may face the possibility of losing a natural tooth. In today’s blog, your Cedar Rapids, IA dentist takes a look at the dangers of decay progression, and how you can treat some internal damage with the help of root canal therapy.

Significant Damage Before You Know It

Just as other oral health concerns start off, dental decay occurs when hyperactive oral bacteria are able to survive in your smile relatively safe from harm. Indeed, these microorganisms are present in every grin, and many attempts to hide out in the difficult-to-access areas of the mouth.

As they hide, these microorganisms feed off of the foods and sugars we consume, which in turn cause them to produce destructive acids that eat away at your oral structures. In its earliest stages, decay can present itself as a carrie or cavity, and without proper care, can continue to grow in size and severity.

Bacteria will continue to work its way into the inner workings of your teeth, causing damage to your dental pulp and nerves. It is at this stage that individuals begin to experience significant pain and difficulty with oral function. If allowed to get any worse, you may face the possibility of needing the structure removed.

Time is Not on Your Side

Unlike a stomach ache or a headache, dental decay will not get better with time. As a matter of fact, quite the opposite will occur, and the longer you wait, the less successful your treatment may be. For this reason, our team encourages you to act sooner rather than later when it comes to your oral health, and attending routine checkups helps us keep an eye on your health.

Salvaging Your Natural Tooth

When decay has spread into the inner workings of a tooth, a root canal procedure may likely be your best treatment option. This process involves removing the infected portions of the dental pulp, then filling the open canals with a dental material. After this, a crown restoration is placed atop the affected structure, and voila! Once it heals, you are able to enjoy the function of your natural tooth once more.

Schedule Your Visit

Contact Cedar Dental in Cedar Rapids, IA by calling 319-364-7108 to learn more about the dangers of spreading decay, or schedule your next appointment with our team today.