When are root canals necessary?
A deep fracture or decay can cause bacteria to penetrate a tooth’s pulp, where the nerves and blood vessels are. When damage affects the pulp chamber, a root canal must be performed. If ignored, infection can make its way to the roots of the tooth and bone, causing a painful abscess to form. During a root canal, the tooth’s canals are drained so that most of the tooth’s structure can be saved. Thanks to techniques and advancements in technology, this procedure is no more painful than getting a filling.
Inflammation and infection occur because of:
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- Tooth fractures. When the enamel is cracked, it leaves the inner tooth pulp vulnerable and can cause you pain. Fractures that stem from the root may not be noticeable until infection in the gum or bone sets in.
- Deep decay. When decay spreads and hits the tooth’s interior, it involves the nerve and surrounding tissues, causing pain, additional infection, and inflammation.
- Trauma/injury. The tooth nerve may die when the tooth experiences sports-related or other injuries. As a result, the pulp must be taken out and replaced with a filler to save it.
We highly recommend this endodontic therapy for patients who want to get out of pain quickly and save a tooth instead of opting for an extraction. Call now for an appointment and find out if it’s the right treatment for you.