Robert E. Rosswog, D.M.D., P.C. (412) 486-7344
Dental Implants
If you have experienced tooth loss, you are not alone. According to the American Dental Association, more than 20 million people in the United States are missing all of their natural teeth, and more than 100 million are missing from 11 to 15 teeth.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Without treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will become infected and abscesses may form.
"Root canal" is the term used to describe the natural cavity within the center of the tooth. The pulp or pulp chamber is the soft area within the root canal. The tooth's nerve lies within the root canal.
A tooth's nerve is not vitally important to a tooth's health and function after the tooth has emerged through the gums. Its only function is sensory – to provide the sensation of hot or cold. The presence or absence of a nerve will not affect the day-to-day functioning of the tooth.
Why Does the Pulp Need to Be Removed?
When nerve tissue or pulp is damaged, it breaks down and bacteria begin to multiply within the pulp chamber. The bacteria and other decayed debris can cause an infection or abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of the roots of the tooth. An abscess occurs when the infection spreads all the way past the ends of the roots of the tooth. In addition to an abscess, an infection in the root canal of a tooth can cause:
- Swelling that may spread to other areas of the face, neck, or head
- Bone loss around the tip of the root
- Drainage problems extending outward from the root. A hole can occur through the side of the tooth with drainage into the gums or through the cheek with drainage into the skin.
What Damages a Tooth's Nerve and Pulp in the First Place?
Nerve and pulp can become irritated, inflamed and infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on a tooth and/or large fillings, a crack or chip in the tooth, or trauma to the face.
- A Lifestyle Improvement
Dental implants have brought naturally beautiful, confident smiles to patients for over 30 years.
Restoring naturally beautiful, confident smiles means more than just restoring teeth; it means restoring and improving your quality of life. With implants, chewing and speech problems caused by missing teeth may be restored or improved, and a natural appearance may be achieved. Whether you are missing one or all of your teeth, implants may allow you to enjoy your favorite foods and have the confidence you desire for an active professional and social life.
Click on the above photo to view an educational video on dental implants. This video requires Flash Player 7.0 or higher.
- All The Advantages Nature Intened
Implant dentistry is the most advanced therapy available to replace missing teeth. In addition to looking and feeling like real teeth, dental implants may allow you to:
- Improve your smile
- Eat the foods you enjoy
- Restore chewing for easy digestion
- Speak with greater ease
- Restore your facial structure
- Enjoy an active lifestyle
- Live with confidence