Are Root Canals Necessary?

You may have heard of root canal treatments before, and likely not in a good way. Unfortunately, root canals are the most feared dental procedure – but they shouldn’t be! Contrary to popular belief, your tooth will probably hurt more before the treatment than during (or after). But, are root canals necessary? If your tooth has suffered severe damage where the pulp, or nerve, becomes inflamed and infected – you’ll likely need root canal therapy to be able to keep its natural structure. Don’t wait to contact your dentist until your symptoms become increasingly worse, take action as soon as you notice sensitivity or pain!

The Necessity Of Root Canal Treatment

If left untreated, an infection in the pulp of your tooth could spread to the surrounding gum tissue and bone, eventually causing an abscessed tooth or even loss.

During a root canal, your dentist will remove the infected portion of your tooth, including the nerve, fill the area with a rubber-like material (gutta-percha), and seal your tooth to protect it from future damage. Despite what you may think – your tooth can regain its full functionality following the root canal, even though it’ll be missing it’s nerve.

Do You Need A Root Canal?

The only way to know for sure is to visit your dentist. Although, if you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, sensitivity to temperature or pressure, or notice pimple-like bumps around your gum tissue – it may be a sign that you need a root canal. Don’t hesitate to contact your dentist!