For many patients, the reason why root canal treatment is necessary is because they have a tooth that is internally infected, or at risk of internal infection. In such cases, root canal treatment is the only way to save the tooth. However, the specific way in which a tooth becomes so compromised can vary between patients, and your tooth may be in need of the procedure without you realizing it. Today, we look at a few common reasons for root canal treatment and how your tooth may have gotten into so much trouble in the first place.
You hesitated to treat a cavity.
Tooth decay starts as a small cavity, which grows larger the longer it is left untreated. Because cavities hurt, patients typically seek treatment in time to address their cavities with conservative tooth fillings. However, if you hesitate, then the decay can quickly reach the center chamber (pulp) of your tooth, initiating the need for root canal treatment.
Your previous tooth filling failed.
If you’ve previously had a cavity filled and the restoration fails or falls out, then your tooth can be immediately exposed to harmful oral bacteria and further infection. If the tooth in question suddenly hurts, then it may have become infected by oral bacteria again and require root canal treatment to save it.
Your tooth is severely cracked.
The goal of root canal therapy is to remove harmful oral bacteria and infected tooth tissues from the pulp chamber of your tooth, or to prevent these tissues from becoming infected. When your tooth is cracked or fractured enough to expose the pulp, it can be at severe risk of developing internal infection. Root canal treatment can eliminate that risk by cleaning and sealing off the pulp and root canal before your dentist restores your tooth with a lifelike dental crown.
Learn More About Root Canal Treatment
There are several reasons why you might need root canal treatment, but in all cases, hesitating could be the worst thing you do for your tooth. To learn more, schedule a consultation with Dr. Burds by calling Gateway Dental Group in downtown Des Moines, IA, at (515) 244-9565.