Root Canal: When Do You Need Treatment?

A root canal is anything but fun. Although technology and new procedures has reduced the overall pain and discomfort factors involved, there is no doubt that this is a procedure you want to avoid having if at all possible. The problem is, for many people it is a need. If you have pain and discomfort in your teeth, it becomes incredibly important to use these types of services. Doing so can help to improve the overall look and feel of your mouth and help to prevent further worsening of your dental health.

When Is It Necessary?

When you see a dental care professional, he or she will offer recommendations regarding the need for dental care. In many cases, there are numerous steps to be taken prior to the need to do a root canal. In some situations, it becomes an important step in getting your dental health to an acceptable level. In other situations, the need for this procedure may be immediate. Your dental care provider will tell you when and why you need it specifically.

There are generally two reasons that this procedure may need to be done. The first one occurs when an infection is present in the mouth. When it is present and it is left untreated, this can cause a number of problems for the individual, including a pulp infection. Your teeth will begin to decay. The enamel will wear down until the root is exposed. When this happens, the pain becomes intense and it can, in many cases, lead to further inflammation of the roots, the bone and the gums. The problem further worsens when the inflammation leads to a reduction in the blood supply to the area. And, because there is less blood supply, the healing process slows down or stops, only worsening the condition.

A second reason that your dentist may recommend a root canal occurs when there is damage to the pulp itself that is not flexible in any other way. For example, if some type of accident occurs and your tooth becomes damaged in this area, the only way to restore function and to reduce pain may be through this procedure. In some situations, even dental procedures can damage the pulp of the tooth which can result in constant or chronic pain. The only solution in these situations is to have the treatment done to remove the underlying cause of the pain.

In many situations, a root canal can be a good thing. Having this procedure done can help to restore a healthy gum and root structure in the mouth. It can also provide you with a reduction in the pain you feel in the long term. Your dental care provider will work with you to determine what the cause of the problem is and then determine if this is the right procedure to fix it. If so, you may find that a few minutes of discomfort can save you dozens of nights up in pain because of your tooth's throbbing pain.