When is a Root Canal Treatment Needed?
A root canal is done when the soft inner part of a tooth, known as the pulp, becomes injured or inflamed or infected. The crown of the tooth, the part you can see above the gums, can remain intact even if the pulp is dead. Removing the injured or infected pulp is the best way to preserve the structure of the tooth.
Common causes of pulp damage include:
- A root canal is done when the soft inner part of a tooth, known as the pulp, becomes injured or inflamed or infected. The crown of the tooth, the part you can see above the gums, can remain intact even if the pulp is dead. Removing the injured or infected pulp is the best way to preserve the structure of the tooth.
- Common causes of pulp damage include:
- Deep deterioration due to an untreated cavity
- Multiple dental procedures on the same tooth
- A chip or crack in the tooth
- An injury to the tooth (the pulp can still be damaged even if the injury does not break the tooth)
The most common symptoms of the damaged pulp include tooth pain, swelling, and a feeling of warmth in the gums. Your dentist will examine the sore tooth and take X-rays to confirm the diagnosis. Your dentist can refer you to an endodontist if they think you need a root canal.
Endodontics vs Dental Filling
A dental filling may be recommended if your tooth has a smaller cavity or minor tooth decay that has not reached the pulp of the tooth. If you have a fractured tooth and its root is not infected, your dentist may also be able to save your tooth with a filling. During treatment, your dentist will clean any cavities and then fill the hole or crack with tooth-colored composite resin so that the cavity or crack does not lead to major dental problems in the future. A root canal or endodontic treatment may be needed if you have a severely decayed tooth that has reached the pulp of the tooth and caused an infection. Untreated cavities and cracks in teeth can often lead to dental infections that warrant root canal therapy. During treatment, your dentist will save your natural tooth by extracting the damaged pulp to relieve pain, infection, and inflammation. Subsequently, a dental crown will be placed to restore the full functionality of the tooth.
Conclusion
A root canal is considered a restorative procedure. Most people who undergo the procedure can enjoy positive results for the rest of their lives. Still, how long your results last depends on how you care for your teeth. Just as the rest of your teeth depend on good oral hygiene habits, your restored tooth also requires regular brushing and flossing.