Find Comfort in Root Canal Therapy
When a cavity is caught early, it can usually be treated comfortably and discreetly with a tooth-colored filling. However, when tooth decay remains undetected and untreated long enough, the bacteria that cause it can reach the pulp chamber at the center of the tooth. This chamber contains the tooth’s sensitive nerves and blood vessels, and is connected to the root canal that carries these tissues to your jawbone. When decay reaches this area of your tooth, your dentist may need to perform root canal therapy to remove it and save your tooth.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The main step to treating tooth decay at any stage is to remove the infection and stop the destruction of your tooth. In many cases, the tooth structure that’s removed can be replaced with tooth-colored composite resin, creating a highly discreet filling. In more severe cases, your dentist will have to carefully access the tooth’s interior to reach the pulp and carefully remove the infected tissues. Then, your dentist can seal the pulp and the root canal with a strong, biocompatible material to restore the tooth’s strength and prevent oral bacteria from re-entering the tooth. If necessary, your dentist might also suggest placing a dental crown over the tooth for further protection.
When You Might Need Root Canal Therapy
The need for root canal therapy stems from tooth infection that is too severe for a filling to resolve. Consequently, one of the signs that you might need root canal therapy is severe, chronic tooth pain. Sometimes, though, your dentist might recommend the treatment before tooth decay reaches your pulp. For instance, if your tooth is fractured severely enough, then the pulp may become immediately vulnerable to infection. Root canal therapy may help you avoid this infection so you can preserve a maximum amount of your healthy tooth structure.
Schedule Your Root Canal Therapy
When a tooth is threatened by severe tooth decay, it may be saved with timely root canal therapy. To find out if your tooth needs saving, schedule a consultation by calling the 7 Day Dental office closest to you! Our offices are located in North and South Fort Worth, Lake Worth and Benbrook, TX, and we welcome patients and their families who live in all of the surrounding DFW communities.