3 Reasons Why a Root Canal Might Be Needed

When you hear people talking about a root canal, you may be like a lot of dental patients and feel anxiety or fear. This procedure is one of the most common treatments, but one that people feel nervous about. Root canals can help relieve pain and serious dental conditions. It is important to understand when this should occur and how you can prepare yourself.
The root canal: an overview
In this restorative treatment, a general dentist begins by numbing the patient to help them feel comfortable. After drilling into the tooth, the dentist removes an infected pulp at the root. The dentist cleans out the canal to ensure there is no bacteria or debris left behind. Like with a cavity, the dentist will fill the hole and seal it. In most cases, a crown will be placed over the tooth to protect it.
The cavity is large
It is not common for people to get cavities. These are holes in the teeth that form due to tooth decay, usually because of poor brushing and flossing habits. Dentists can take care of many cavities by cleaning out the holes and filling them. However, if the cavity is so large that a filling would not support the tooth, a root canal is the right step to take.
The cavity is deep within the tooth
Dentists use fillings to repair cavities on the surface of the tooth. More serious cavities, however, can reach down to the root of the tooth. This poses more risks for the patient developing an infection or suffering more damage to the tooth. A root canal is necessary in this case. Removing the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, will save the tooth and help to prevent other conditions from occurring.
The patient has an abscessed tooth
Cavities are a cause for concern, but there are even more severe conditions that a person could encounter. An abscess develops when there is an infection within the tooth. Untreated, the infection can cause tooth loss and may even spread throughout the mouth. This will cause intense pain and swelling. The infection eventually could reach into the neck, face, and into other parts of the body. The results could be fatal without proper intervention.
The most effective way to treat an abscess is with a root canal. The dentist will remove the pulp and disinfect the affected area. A proper seal will prevent bacteria from getting into the tooth again. A crown will further stabilize it.
No need to fear
Some patients may know that they need a root canal but resist this procedure. You do not have to put this off. The good news is that your dentist will have the knowledge and training to clean out and repair your tooth. This process can effectively restore your oral health and ease your pain and discomfort. If you have a severe toothache, call your general dentist today. Your dentist will examine you and take X-rays to determine whether this treatment is essential.
Request an appointment here: https://www.mytotaldentistry.com or call McCarthy Dentistry at (740) 546-5178 for an appointment in our Marietta office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Recent Posts
Endodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on studying, diagnosing, and treating problems affecting teeth pulp. The most commonly performed endodontic treatment used in dentistry is the root canal, and it allows dentists to save teeth that have severe damage or decay.Root canal treatments are often the last defense when saving a tooth. A…
Many families with adolescents in need of straighter smiles are opting for Invisalign® for teens over traditional braces. Braces use wires and frequent adjustments to straighten each tooth individually. Invisalign clear aligners straighten all the teeth at once and are swapped out for new ones about every two weeks during the process. These aligners are…
If you and your child are interested in an alternative to traditional braces, Invisalign® may be just what you are looking for. It is just as effective at straightening teeth as traditional braces but has certain qualities that make it more tolerable for teenagers.It is usually preferable to wait to delay teeth straightening treatment until…
A general dentist is often the first to inform parents that a teenage patient needs braces. As an orthodontic option, Invisalign® for teens can produce results in just a few months with minimal discomfort. This process can work to straighten teeth that are out of line, crooked, or twisted, and there may be no need…