How Root Canal Therapy Can Save Your Tooth

Root canal therapy can prevent serious concerns from developing, such as the spread of oral infection and tooth loss. Many are hesitant to follow through with a root canal procedure they may need out of fear that the process is too invasive, and understanding the purpose of root canal therapy can help you feel better about the procedure.

The purpose of root canal therapy

The primary purpose of root canal therapy is to remove the infected pulp inside the root of a tooth. The following is everything to know about root canal therapy and how it can save your tooth, including information about when a root canal is necessary and what to expect during treatment.

Root canal defined

A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected or damaged tooth pulp that is often the result of a tooth infection, tooth decay or significant tooth damage. Tooth pulp contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue, and an infection of the pulp can cause discomforting symptoms. After the dentist removes the infected tooth pulp, they will then fill the cavity with a substitute material. The dentist may also place a dental crown to ensure the tooth is properly protected in the long term.

When a root canal is necessary

One of the main reasons a root canal may be necessary is if there is a tooth infection in the root. The infection can lead to an abscess and may even spread to other parts of the mouth if left untreated. A root canal is also often necessary if tooth decay becomes severe and reaches the root of the tooth or if there is significant damage that extends towards the root.

Minor instances of tooth decay can often be treated through dental fillings and some instances of tooth damage may not need a root canal, but it is typically required for more severe damage that threatens the pulp inside of a tooth.

The importance of a root canal

A root canal is important to prevent the spread of an oral infection to other parts of the mouth and body. It is often also necessary to save the tooth from becoming lost if deep dental decay or significant tooth damage exists. Without a root canal, the root of a tooth may weaken from the infection and cause the tooth to become loose and inevitably become lost. However, a root canal ensures the tooth remains healthy.

The treatment process for a root canal involves accessing the tooth root, removing the decayed pulp and filling the tooth with a substitute material. The process is safe, although there may be some discomfort during recovery. A dental crown may be needed to protect the tooth and restore functionality and appearance.

Find out if you need a root canal today

If you have signs that indicate you may need a root canal to save your tooth, then reach out to us today for assistance. We can help you through treatment and do all we can to ensure you keep your teeth healthy in the long term.

Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistrywalnutcreek.com or call Advanced Dentistry Of Walnut Creek at (925) 937-2273 for an appointment in our Walnut Creek office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.