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

Root Canal Treatment Saves Smiles

Root Canal Treatment Saves Smiles | Butler, PA | Dr. Brockley

Taking care of an infected tooth is vital for various reasons. First, untreated dental infections can lead to substantial pain and discomfort. Over time, the infection can also spread to other parts of the body, causing systemic health issues. Fortunately, addressing the infection promptly can save the affected tooth, preventing the need for extraction and other interventions. Root canal treatment, in particular, can save an infected tooth to restore your healthy smile.

At Brockley Dental Center, we have the expertise to 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 Saves Smiles | Butler, PA | Dr. Brockley

A root canal is a dental procedure to save a severely damaged or infected tooth by removing the infected pulp (the soft inner tissue), cleaning and disinfecting the canals, and sealing them to prevent further infection. But how does this process work?

  1. Diagnosis: The process begins with a thorough dental examination and X-rays to determine the extent of damage or infection in the tooth.
  2. Local anesthesia: We will administer a local anesthetic to numb the affected area to ensure your comfort during the procedure. For patients with dental anxiety, we also offer sedation dentistry.
  3. Access the pulp: To provide access to the pulp chamber and root canals, we create a small hole in the tooth’s crown.
  4. Pulp removal: We will carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp using specialized instruments.
  5. Cleaning and shaping: Once the pulp is removed, we will clean and shape the tooth’s interior, eliminating any remaining bacteria and debris. Next, we disinfect the canals to prevent further infection.
  6. Filling: We fill the canals with a biocompatible material to seal them.
  7. Restoration: Finally, a dental crown is typically placed over the treated tooth to restore its function and appearance.

The Benefits of Keeping a Tooth vs. Extraction

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

  • Preservation of natural teeth: One of the primary benefits is preserving your natural teeth. A restored tooth can function just like any other, allowing you to chew and speak comfortably.
  • Preventing bone loss: Extracted teeth can lead to bone loss in the jaw over time, which can impact facial structure. Preserving the natural tooth helps maintain the integrity of the jawbone.
  • Efficient chewing and speaking: A treated tooth allows you to chew food efficiently and speak clearly, which enhances your overall quality of life.
  • Cost-effective: Root canal treatment is often more cost-effective in the long run than extraction followed by tooth replacement procedures.
  • Minimal discomfort: Modern techniques and anesthesia make root canals relatively painless, and the recovery is quick.

The History of Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment extends deep into the archives of dental history. While the procedure has evolved significantly over time, its roots can be traced back to earlier centuries.

In the 17th century, philosopher and scientist René Descartes proposed the concept of “animal spirits” within teeth, which he believed could cause tooth pain. This laid the theoretical foundation for future endodontic work. The 18th century saw early attempts at root canal treatments, but the techniques were crude and often painful.

In the 19th century, a significant breakthrough occurred when dentists experimented with more effective materials and techniques. Using rubber as a dental dam and discovering X-rays in the late 19th century revolutionized the field. The early 20th century marked a turning point with the work of Dr. Weston A. Price. His research emphasized the importance of thoroughly cleaning and sealing the pulp chamber and root canals to save teeth from extraction. These principles continue to form the basis of modern root canal therapy.

While many people expect root canals to be painful, modern techniques and anesthetics make the procedure virtually painless. In fact, the procedure eliminates the pain that the infection causes.

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, choose the expertise and care of Brockley Dental Center. Our experienced dental professionals are well-versed in the latest techniques and technology for root canal treatment.

Don’t let dental issues jeopardize your smile’s health. Contact us today to schedule your first visit and experience the benefits of preserving your natural teeth through effective root canal treatment. Your smile is our priority, and we’re here to save it.

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 US Navel Dental Core. 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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