Park Ridge Implant Dentists—Can Root Canal Therapy Prevent Tooth Loss?

In the world of dental care, root canal therapy has gained an undeserved bad reputation, and many patients who require the procedure are often unaware of its importance, or refuse treatment out of unfounded apprehension. The truth, however, is that root canal therapy is the last resort in treating one of the most destructive and wide-spread dental diseases today—aggressive tooth decay. Your Park Ridge implant dentists, Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas, may specialize in smile restorations and tooth replacement, but they are also experts at restorative dental procedures aimed at preventing tooth loss. Today, we explore the need for root canal therapy, and what to do in case the procedure doesn’t suffice to save your tooth.

A Look at Aggressive Tooth Decay

Tooth decay, the disease that forms cavities and necessitates root canal therapy in its severe form, is a progressive malady that begins with bacterial acid (produced by mouth germs after consuming sugar) that erodes the enamel surrounding your teeth. Once your enamel is compromised, bacteria infect the dentin underneath, forming small holes called cavities that grow larger. When left untreated, the infection can reach the vulnerable nerves and blood vessels at your tooth’s center.

If you’ve been told that a root canal procedure is required, then the infection has destroyed these vital tissues may be on the verge of destroying your tooth. Root canal therapy involves removing the infection from your tooth’s center, thoroughly cleaning away bacteria, and sealing the roots to prevent the spread of infection to surrounding tissues.

Effective Tooth Loss Prevention with Your Park Ridge Implant Dentists

Unfortunately, the myths about root canal treatments can cause many people to delay treating a time-sensitive issue, and decay often claims the teeth of patients who procrastinate too long. If you lose one or more teeth, then replacing them with one or more dental implants offers your best chance of preserving your oral health. To learn more about preventing tooth loss, or restoring your smile if it occurs, seek the expertise of your Park Ridge implant dentists today. You can schedule an appointment by calling Loukas General Dentistry at (847) 696-1919. Located in the 60068 area, we proudly serve patients from Park Ridge and the surrounding Chicago communities.