Brockley Dental Blog, Dental Crowns, Emergency Dentist, Family Dentistry, Restorative Dentistry, Root Canal Therapy, Sedation Dentistry

How Root Canal Treatment Saves Teeth from Extraction

Root Canal Treatment in Butler, PA | Saving Teeth from Extraction

Taking care of an infected tooth is vital for several reasons, as untreated dental infections cause substantial pain and discomfort. Additionally, over time, the infection may spread to other parts of the body, causing further systemic health issues. Fortunately, by addressing the infection promptly, we can save your tooth and prevent the need for extraction! Root canal treatment, in particular, can save an infected tooth, restoring your smile and relieving tooth pain.

At Brockley Dental Center, we treat your infection safely and effectively. With decades of experience providing compassionate and skilled dentistry, you can trust us with your root canal therapy!

Understanding Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that targets infections in vulnerable teeth. Unlike a root canal, which is the channel that runs through the roots of your teeth, root canal treatment is a therapy that aims to safely remove infection from your canals.

But how does this process work?

  1. Root Canal Treatment in Butler, PA | Saving Teeth from ExtractionDiagnosis: The process begins with a thorough dental examination and X-rays to determine the extent of damage or infection in the tooth.
  2. Anesthesia: We will administer a local anesthetic to numb the affected area, ensuring your comfort during the procedure. For patients with dental anxiety, we also offer sedation dentistry!
  3. Preparation: To access the sensitive and infected pulp within your root canals, we create a small hole in the tooth’s crown.
  4. Removal: Then, using specialized tools, we carefully remove the pulp to relieve your tooth pain.
  5. Disinfection: Once the pulp is removed, we will clean and shape the tooth’s interior. Next, we disinfect the canals to prevent further infection!
  6. Filling: We fill the canals with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to seal them.
  7. Restoration: Finally, we’ll place a dental crown over your tooth to restore its function and appearance.

The Benefits of Keeping a Tooth vs. Extraction

Whenever possible, we aim to preserve the health of your natural teeth. Keeping a tooth is more beneficial than extracting it for several reasons, including:

  • Preventing bone loss: The roots of natural teeth stimulate your jawbone when you chew, keeping it healthy and full. After losing teeth to extraction, patients experience bone loss in the jaw over time! As you lose bone, you may experience a drastic change in facial structure, worsening TMJ symptoms, and excessive skin wrinkling around the mouth. Preserving the natural tooth helps maintain the integrity of your jawbone.
  • Improving chewing and speaking: Missing teeth significantly affect your ability to chew and communicate effectively. A tooth saved by root canal treatment allows you to chew food and speak clearly, enhancing your overall quality of life.
  • Staying affordable: Root canal treatment is typically more cost-effective than an extraction. While extraction may involve bone grafting and tooth replacement, root canals are a one-and-done treatment.
  • Keeping comfortable: Depending on the type, extractions may result in a long healing period with a swollen, bruised jaw. Modern techniques and anesthesia make root canals comfortable, and the recovery is relatively quick!

How Much Does Root Canal Treatment Cost?

In most cases, root canal treatment is deemed medically necessary and, therefore, covered by dental insurance. However, coverage may vary, and not everyone has access to insurance.

If you need a root canal but are hesitating due to costs, we encourage you to visit us anyway! At Brockley Dental Center, we work with you to find an affordable solution that works for your budget. In many cases, we may turn to our third-party financing partners to help with costs.

By partnering with companies like Chery, CareCredit, Proceed, and Allegro, we offer patients like you ways to spread your costs out over time. With flexible payment plans, 0% interest options, and fast approvals, you can split your costs into more manageable payments with ease!

If you’re interested, visit us for an initial consultation or apply online to learn if you’re eligible for dental financing.

Talk to Us About Root Canal Treatment

If you’re facing the prospect of a root canal or seeking a solution to a dental issue, trust Brockley Dental Center with your smile! Our compassionate and experienced staff are well-versed in the latest techniques and technology that make root canal treatment a breeze. With this therapy, we help improve the health of your smile, save your tooth from extraction, and relieve dental pain.

Contact us today to schedule your first visit and experience the benefits of preserving your natural teeth through effective root canal treatment.

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Donald B. Brockley, DMD

Dr. Brockley earned his doctorate degree in Dental Medicine from the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine in 1972. He is a second generation dentist and a legacy of the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine where his father, Dr. Charles R. Brockley earned his doctorate in general dentistry in the year 1927. While attending the University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine, he held the office of Class Secretary for his graduating class. Following dental school, he chose to do his residency training at Wilmington Medical Center in Wilmington, Delaware, with a focus on research. Upon completing his residency, Dr. Brockley enlisted in the Navy during the Vietnam War Era as a Naval Officer. Dr. Brockley opened his own private practice 1975 in Butler, PA a historic town just 34 miles north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Brockley held the office of President of the Butler County Dental Society. After many years of practice, Dr. Brockley realized that fear is the #1 reason why people do not visit their dentist regularly. Therefore, he made it his mission to find an alternative way to practice (and to help his patients overcome this fear). This alternative was through Sedation Dentistry. In 1996 he became trained in Conscious Oral Sedation. This technique allowed him to treat fearful patients by gently putting them to sleep with the aid of a pill, not needle IV sedation which was the popular treatment at that time. Dr. Brockley received his dental training at the following institutions: University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA Tufts University, School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA University of North Carolina, School of Dentistry, Raleigh, NC Mini Dental Implant Training Centre, Buffalo, NY. Due to the high number of patients who are diabetic in his practice, his next goal was to understand the impact of Diabetes in Dentistry. Due to the subset of Diabetic patients in his practice who had similar recurring oral and systemic health problems, special attention became warranted. This led to a different standard of care and treatment for patients whose health was compromised by diabetes. Early detection, observation, evaluation and treatment to eradicate infection plays a major role in maintaining oral health for diabetic patients. Poorly managed treatment for diabetic patients has been shown to lead to a higher risk of uncontrolled gum disease and vice versa, making prevention of gum disease the #1 priority for this subset of patients. Dr. Brockley’s research on dentistry for diabetics led him to his next specialization: the treatment and eradication of gum disease. His aim has been to change the the treatment of gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. For this reason, he designed a radically different protocol to the Soft Tissue Management (STM) program. STM treats the symptoms of gum disease, and more importantly, the underlying cause of gum disease, bacteria. Studies have shown that gum disease affects 80% of American adults. However, Dr. Brockley has observed that more than 90% of his baby boomer patients have gum disease. His unique STM protocol has shown significant success within his patient population. With patient knowledge, understanding, and cooperation, Dr. Brockley is able to arrest and manage gum disease in his practice. After perfecting his procedures for crowns, bridges, partials and dentures to replace missing teeth, the introduction of Small Diameter Implants (also known as SDI or Mini Dental Implants) into his practice has revolutionized the way Dr. Brockley practices cosmetic dentistry. Small Diameter Implants provide the possibility of full mouth restoration, multiple teeth restoration, or single tooth restoration. Small Diameter Implants can be implemented in all types of tooth and bone conditions, in all ages, and in all types of health conditions. Dr. Brockley uses Small Diameter Implants to restore chewing ability and create beautiful smiles, which ultimately changes peoples’ lives. Dr. Brockley is the proud owner and operator of the first Mini Dental Implant Center of America in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Dr. Brockley has achieved Diplomate status in the International Academy of Mini Dental Implants. He is the President Emeritus of the Butler County Dental Society. Dr. Brockley was also a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps. He is a a lifetime member of the Delta Sigma Dental Fraternity, and he was the Class Secretary for the University of Pittsburgh Dental School. Dr. Brockley likes to spend time with his family at home or while traveling, has been an avid scuba diver since 1980, and describes himself as a “just okay” golfer.

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