Kumho Station Dental Clinic: The Importance of Root Canal Treatment, the Last Step to Saving Natural Teeth

Kumho Station Dental Clinic: The Importance of Root Canal Treatment, the Last Step to Saving Natural Teeth

Dental caries, or cavities, are a common oral disease experienced by over 90% of the global population at least once. Many people think, ‘If it’s too decayed, I’ll just have it extracted,’ or ‘I’ll get an implant later.’ Some even believe that losing one natural tooth won’t be a big problem.

However, no part of the human body is unnecessary. Similarly, while teeth are often thought to only chew food, they actually perform their own roles and interact with each other. Therefore, even one missing tooth can lead to problems.

Of course, if a natural tooth is severely decayed and deemed beyond preservation, extraction is indeed a way to preserve the remaining natural teeth. However, no artificial tooth can fully replicate 100% of the function of a natural tooth, as natural teeth perform superior functions. Therefore, if there’s even a slight chance to save a natural tooth, efforts should be made to use it longer rather than considering extraction.

Dental caries refers to an oral disease where teeth are corroded by an acid substance produced when food debris we consume daily combines with bacteria residing in the mouth.

Human teeth are composed of two layers, enamel and dentin, with the dental nerve located inside. Cavities are classified into stages 1 to 4 over time, with each stage determined by how far the decay has progressed within the tooth.

Stage 1, which is early-stage decay, refers to cases where cavities are localized only on the enamel, the outer surface of the tooth. When cavities only affect the enamel, there are usually no specific symptoms to suspect decay, so most people often don't realize they have cavities.

When cavities invade the dentin, you may feel pain, tingling, or sensitivity in your teeth when chewing food or drinking cold beverages. In stages 1-2, relatively simple cavity treatments at Kumho Station Dental Clinic, such as resin fillings or onlay/inlay treatments, are performed.

However, in stage 3 or higher, the cavity progresses beyond the dentin to the dental nerve, causing unbearable pain, sensitivity, and tingling even without eating. The problem is that from this stage onwards, it requires more complex root canal treatment at Kumho Station Dental Clinic, not just simple cavity treatment.

Root canal treatment at Kumho Station Dental Clinic involves removing the dental nerve contaminated by decay and filling the empty space with a restorative material. However, in cases of stage 3 or higher decay, more than half of the natural tooth is already damaged. Therefore, simply filling it is not enough to preserve the remaining natural tooth. Crown treatment, which involves placing a prosthetic crown, must be performed together to extend the lifespan of the natural tooth and ensure smooth chewing function.

However, it is important to remember that root canal treatment at Kumho Station Dental Clinic is the last stage at which a natural tooth can be preserved. If pulp necrosis has already progressed to stage 4 or higher, there is little natural tooth left to preserve. Moreover, since the dental nerve has already necrotized, there is a high probability of tooth function loss and the spread of oral disease to the gums, making extraction and implant treatment highly likely.

As cavities progress in stages over time, it is crucial to develop a habit of regular oral check-ups to detect and address unnoticed cavities early, even if there is no pain.

Especially, the earlier cavities are treated, the wider the range of natural teeth that can be preserved, and the longer they can be used. Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to take cavities lightly.

Among patients who visit Kumho Station Dental Clinic, when diagnosed with advanced decay requiring root canal treatment, some occasionally say they would prefer extraction. Of course, leaving a decayed tooth as is is a dangerous choice because the decay can spread to other natural teeth.

However, if a natural tooth is extracted and left untreated, it can lead to bone loss in the jaw, misalignment of teeth due to gaps between supporting teeth, and various secondary and tertiary problems such as temporomandibular joint disorders, facial asymmetry, or digestive issues due to improper chewing. Therefore, post-extraction follow-up treatment, such as implant placement, is absolutely necessary, which can incur additional treatment time and costs.

Above all, as explained earlier, no artificial tooth treatment method can yet fully replicate 100% of the chewing power and aesthetics of a natural tooth. Therefore, unless extraction and implant treatment are absolutely unavoidable, if there's even a slight chance to save a natural tooth and use it longer, Kumho Station Dental Clinic recommends maintaining natural teeth through cavity treatment and root canal treatment rather than extraction.

At Bareunyoung Dental Clinic, Kumho Station, we believe that the foundation of all dental treatments is to save natural teeth. Furthermore, for all dental treatments, including cavity treatment, the chief director provides 1:1 responsible care from consultation to treatment planning, execution, and aftercare.

The chief director of Bareunyoung Dental Clinic is a specialist in integrated dentistry certified by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. They provide comprehensive dental treatments including simple cavity treatments, complex root canal treatments, periodontal treatments, wisdom tooth extractions, temporomandibular joint treatments, and implant treatments. All treatment processes are thoroughly explained and understood by the patient, even if it takes a long time, to always strive against overtreatment.

Additionally, at Bareunyoung Dental Clinic, a national oral health screening institution at Kumho Station, we use 3D CT precision diagnostic equipment for all dental treatment processes to meticulously examine the patient's oral condition. We then provide 1:1 customized dental care by developing a treatment plan tailored to each individual patient.

During dental treatment, we don't just perform the specific treatment the patient requests and finish. Instead, we thoroughly explain the patient's overall oral condition and what treatments are necessary, helping them manage their oral health more meticulously so they can use their natural teeth for as long as possible.

Even when experiencing symptoms that suggest advanced decay, such as severe pain or sensitivity, the reason for hesitating to visit Kumho Station Dental Clinic is likely due to the fear of pain during cavity or root canal treatment.

Bareunyoung Dental Clinic empathizes with such patients and aims to reduce the burden of pain as much as possible through its digital pain-free anesthesia system.

Unlike other body parts, teeth unfortunately lack regenerative capacity. Once damaged, they only worsen over time and never return to their original state. Therefore, if you have a tooth problem, it is important to take quick action to prevent further deterioration. Remember that developing a habit of regular oral check-ups is helpful for cavity prevention, as it allows for earlier detection.

Bareunyoung Dental Clinic at Kumho Station is located on the 2nd floor of the building, a 1-minute walk from Yaksu Station Exit 6. Parking is available within the building when you visit. Additionally, for those with busy schedules who postpone dental treatment, evening appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I get root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is necessary when decay has progressed beyond the dentin to the dental nerve, typically in stage 3 or higher. At this stage, you may experience unbearable pain even without eating.

What is the process of root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment involves removing the dental nerve contaminated by decay and filling the empty space with a restorative material. Crown treatment is usually performed alongside to preserve the remaining natural tooth.

Why is it important to save natural teeth?

No artificial tooth can fully replicate 100% of the excellent functions of a natural tooth, such as chewing power and aesthetics. Natural teeth are an indispensable part of our body.

What problems can arise after tooth extraction due to decay?

After extraction, various secondary and tertiary problems can occur, including bone loss in the jaw, misalignment of teeth, temporomandibular joint disorders, facial asymmetry, and digestive issues. Therefore, follow-up treatment like implants is essential.

What is the best way to prevent cavities?

It is important to have a habit of regular oral check-ups to detect and address early cavities that may go unnoticed due to lack of pain. Teeth do not have regenerative capabilities.

What treatments are available at Bareunyoung Dental Clinic at Kumho Station?

At Bareunyoung Dental Clinic, a specialist in integrated dentistry certified by the Ministry of Health and Welfare provides 1:1 responsible care for complex dental treatments including cavities, root canals, periodontal issues, wisdom tooth extractions, temporomandibular joint disorders, and implants.