Three Reasons Why A Root Canal Might Be Needed

Root Canal therapy is typically performed when a tooth's pulp chamber has been infected, irritated or inflamed. The procedure involves cleaning out the contents of the pulp chamber, applying medication to the area to dry out any infection and sealing the tooth with a special type of filling material called gutta-percha.

Root canals have earned a reputation as one of the most painful treatments a person can get from a dentist, but that could not be further from the truth. A root canal is a virtually painless treatment since a local anesthetic is administered to the area before the dentist starts working on a tooth.

Dental issues a dentist might recommend root canal therapy for

Here are some of the oral issues a dentist can address by performing a root canal:

1. Severe tooth decay

Tooth decay is caused by the acids created by oral bacteria eating away at soft tissues in the mouth. It is a progressive condition that will worsen when left untreated. Tooth decay leads to the formation of small holes called cavities, and these expand until they breach the pulp chamber when left unaddressed.

The pulp chamber being opened up leaves the soft tissues inside exposed to bacteria and acids in the mouth. This irritates and inflames these tissues, leading to excruciating toothaches.

Bacteria will eventually invade an exposed pulp chamber, leading to an infection of the blood vessels and nerves there. This leads to extreme toothaches that make it impossible to focus on anything, and there is always a risk of the infection spreading to other areas where it can make things worse. A root canal can be used to treat an infected tooth or a tooth with a compromised pulp chamber.

2. Broken teeth

A root canal can also be used to treat a severely broken tooth. Such injuries often leave the pulp chamber compromised, and that can lead to infection in the future. They might also be accompanied with toothaches and bleeding. A root canal can be used to clean out the pulp chamber, bringing an end to any pain being experienced by the patient and lowering the risk of infection.

3. Infection

Root canal therapy is the standard treatment for infected teeth. An infection occurs when bacteria make their way into the pulp chamber and invade the nerves and blood vessels there. An infected tooth counts as a dental emergency, and it requires immediate care, since there is always a risk of the infection spreading to other parts of the body.

Root canals for infected teeth are performed the same way they are for other issues. The only exception would be the dentist applying medication to the tooth after cleaning out the pulp chamber to kill any bacteria left there.

We are here to help

Dealing with any of the issues listed above? Call or visit our Madison clinic to learn more about how our dentist can restore your tooth with a root canal.

Request an appointment here: https://dentalcareofmadison.com or call Dental Care of Madison at (601) 898-9390 for an appointment in our Madison office.

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