You may feel as though your damaged teeth degrade your smile both functionally and aesthetically. If left untreated, damaged teeth can 
result in tooth loss, resulting in a gap and the side effects that come along with it. However, you can save your damaged tooth with the help of your dentist. Find out more about avoiding extraction and saving your tooth with Dr. Richard Mark in Independence, MO.
How can my dentist save my damaged tooth?
A tooth often becomes damaged due to tooth decay or trauma to the tooth. In the past, the answer to this situation was to simply remove the tooth altogether with a tooth extraction. However, a root canal can preserve the outer structure of the tooth while clearing out the infected or damaged contents and nerve inside. This eliminates the need for a tooth extraction and allows the tooth to remain in the mouth which avoids side effects of a missing tooth like shifting teeth and bone loss.
Does my tooth need saving?
One of the first signs of a damaged or decayed tooth is a toothache. In this case, a root canal removes the tooth’s nerve. This cures the toothache, removes the damaged tissue, and rebuilds the tooth. Depending on the severity, a broken tooth can sometimes not avoid extraction. However, in some cases, a root canal can save the tooth’s structure while a dental crown placed on top of the tooth stabilizes the tooth to prevent future damage.
Root Canal in Independence, MO
If you think a root canal can help your damaged tooth, a consultation with your dentist can confirm that this is the best procedure for you. In some cases, other treatments may be more suitable than a root canal. For more information on root canal therapy or what it can do for you, please contact Dr. Richard Mark in Independence, MO. Call (816) 461-3660 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Mark today!