![A man holding his jaw in pain](https://www.dbishopendo.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/tooth-pain-1024x679.jpg)
If you really think about it, teeth are pretty amazing. They help us eat and speak properly, they can make us look and feel more confident, and they can produce an average of 162 pounds per square inch of force! But sometimes despite their strength, accidents happen, and our teeth can become damaged or cracked.
In the past, removing the remaining tooth was typically the only option, but now, thanks to modern dentistry, your dentist can often repair this damage with the help of a root canal.
What is a Root Canal?
Like many people, when you think of a root canal, you probably think of a painful procedure that you’d prefer to avoid. But unlike their negative portrayal in Hollywood, root canals are one of the most effective ways to reduce pain and save an infected tooth. In fact, today’s root canals are very well tolerated and will have you leaving your dentist’s office feeling better than when you came in.
A root canal is performed by removing any infected pulp from the inside of the tooth, sterilizing it, and then replacing the pulp with a synthetic material. Following the root canal portion of the procedure, the outside of the tooth is then repaired with a filling or crown. The same thing happens when repairing a cracked tooth.
The Benefits of Repairing a Cracked Tooth with a Root Canal
Repairing a tooth with a root canal keeps the tooth healthy, removes or prevents any infection, and allows the dentist to safely repair it without the need for extraction. It also has other medical benefits, including preserving the bone density of the jawbone, which could be compromised if the tooth gets extracted. Plus, it will save you money on replacing the tooth with dental implants or other prosthetic restorations.
In fact, even if you don’t yet have an infected tooth, you can still benefit from a root canal, as it can help prevent infection and keep it healthy. It can even prevent the crack from worsening, which could eventually require an extraction or more costly repair.
If you have a cracked tooth, don’t resign yourself to the idea of an extraction. Your dentist can repair your cracked tooth with a root canal, allowing you to keep your natural tooth and potentially saving you a lot of time and money.
About Dr. Bishop
Dr. Deborah S. Bishop is skilled endodontic specialist who prides herself on continuing her education and staying active in the community and in a variety of professional organizations. Dr. Bishop holds active memberships in the American Dental Association, the Alabama Dental Association, American Association of Endodontists, and the International Academy of Endodontists, just to name a few.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Bishop to repair a cracked tooth, please visit our website or call 256-858-7250.