If a tooth becomes badly damaged or infected, root canal treatment or endodontic therapy can be used to treat it without having to remove the tooth. To find out more about your treatment options, contact our team now and we will be happy to arrange a consultation.
When root canals are necessary
Tooth pulp at the center of your tooth will become infected if a cavity is not treated in a timely fashion, at this point a root canal is necessary. Consistent checkups and comprehensive cleanings are the best way to prevent and detect problems before they get too serious. The nerve inside of your tooth can be damaged by trauma. When a tooth is damaged by trauma, infection can affect the pulp which will eventually start to eat in to the bone, this is an abscess. Once the pulp becomes infected, it is unable to heal itself. In some cases the infection can affect your whole immune system, this can lead to severe pain and is extremely dangerous.
Symptoms of infection
A bad taste in your mouth, pain with biting, swelling, and hot or cold sensitivity are all warning signs that your tooth pulp may be infected. In some rare cases, there may be no symptoms at all and infection will only be detected during one of your regular dental appointments. Clearing out the infection of the pulp and disinfecting the canals is achieved via root canal treatment. Other than a root canal, extraction is the only other treatment option. To prevent an infection from returning the tooth will need to be filled. To do this, crowns are typically suggested once root canal therapy is completed.
