Root canal treatment is an excellent option available to save a severely compromised tooth from extraction. During root canal therapy, the infected pulp of the tooth is removed. Your dental professional then thoroughly cleans and disinfects the tooth before filling and sealing it. Finally, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling.
There are several reasons root canal treatment may be necessary, including:
Decay that has invaded the pulp of the tooth. The pulp, or soft center of the tooth, is made up of sensitive nerves and blood vessels. Severe infection of the pulp can ultimately cause the loss of the tooth if not treated properly.
An abscessed tooth caused by an infection between the tooth and gum. The infection originates in the inner chamber of the tooth causing the inability to rid the tooth of infection. This infection spreads from the chamber and exits through the tooth’s apex creating a pus-filled abscess.
Injury to a tooth caused by a blow or fall. Trauma to the tooth can cause inflammation of the pulp chamber, causing infection that can lead to the death of the nerves and blood vessel in the tooth.
Ignoring any of these problems can result in severe infection accompanied by extreme pain and loss of the functionality of your tooth. Root canal treatment eliminates the infection and preserves the natural tooth. The benefits of root canal therapy include restoring normal biting function, protecting the other teeth from strain or wear, and maintaining the appearance of the natural tooth. Root canal treatment plays an important part in saving your tooth and allowing it to continue functioning like your other teeth.
