Has your dentist recommended that you visit an endodontist for root canal treatment? Perhaps you’ve been told you have worn dentition (tooth wear) or you’ve developed a cracked tooth?
Cracked and worn teeth can lead to infected root canals, which require professional treatment to prevent the abscess of a tooth or a tooth’s need for surgical removal. Receiving root canal therapy is not much more invasive than receiving a filling. This treatment allows people to retain injured and infected teeth for much longer.
Following are some of the underlying causes of tooth wear and cracked teeth.
Bruxism
Bruxism is a habit that involves clenching and/or grinding teeth. This habit develops as a response to stress, anxiety, or pain. Once grinding or clenching teeth becomes habitual, it will wear microscopic cracks in tooth enamel. This is because the sharp, hard edges of teeth slowly wear down the protective coating (enamel) surrounding teeth.
Weakened tooth enamel paired with continued bruxism can cause teeth to chip and crack. Weakened tooth structure also increases the risks of decay since cavity-causing bacteria eat through areas of teeth with damaged tooth enamel.
Chewing on Inedible Objects
Many people chew on inedible objects like pen caps or ice cubes as a nervous habit. Unfortunately, chewing on anything other than food can lead to a person needing root canal treatment because this habit wears down teeth over time. Teeth weakened by chewing or biting on inedible objects can also cause them to chip or crack.
Untreated Tooth Decay
Tooth decay weakens teeth. As bacteria eat through the structures of teeth, their softer layers are exposed to the forces of oral function, bacteria, and acid. Over time, untreated teeth with decay can lose mass and shape as cavities deepen and widen.
Teeth cannot repair themselves after developing permanent damage. This is why restorations like fillings and crowns are necessary.
Why Choose an Endodontist?
An endodontist is an expert at repairing the insides of teeth, particularly the root canal. These experts must complete rigorous specialty education and training to practice endodontics.
If you have questions about root canal treatment, call our team at Access Endodontics to reserve a consultation.
