Root canals are usually required when the pulp, the innermost layer of your tooth, becomes infected or damaged. This can happen due to a deep cavity, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, a chip or crack in the tooth, or trauma to the tooth. According to Ryan Pendleton DDS, root canals are also sometimes necessary to save a tooth with an abscess or cyst.

During the procedure, the dentist can remove the damaged pulp, clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth, and then fill and seal it. A root canal can usually be completed in one or two visits to the dentist.

After a root canal, the tooth may be slightly sensitive for a few days, but it should not cause any pain. Contact your dentist if you experience severe pain or swelling. Most teeth with a root canal can last a lifetime with proper care. However, sometimes the tooth may become discolored and must be treated with a veneer or crown.

These are some of the top reasons you might need a root canal as a treatment:

You have a deep cavity

A deep cavity is one of the most common reasons for a root canal treatment. Cavity entails wearing away tooth enamel, the hardest substance in your body. If not taken care of, it can lead to decay which might cause an infection. There are different ways to care for a cavity, but a root canal might be your best option if the decay is severe.

Your tooth is fractured or chipped

If you have a cracked or chipped tooth, you must see a dentist immediately, which could lead to an infection. The crack can be repaired, and the tooth sealed to prevent infection. A root canal might be necessary to save the tooth and prevent further damage.

You have had a dental procedure

If you have had a previous dental procedure such as a filling, root canal, or crown, there is a chance that the tooth could become infected. This is because bacteria can enter the tooth through these procedures. A root canal might be necessary to save the tooth if you develop an infection.

You have an abscessed tooth

It is a pus-filled pocket formed at the end of a tooth’s root.; it happens when bacteria enter the tooth through a crack or chip and cause an infection. An abscess can also occur if you have a cavity that has not been treated. An abscessed tooth can be very painful, and if not treated, it can lead to serious health problems. A root canal is usually the best option to treat an abscessed tooth.

Your tooth is sensitive to hot or cold temperatures

It might indicate infection if your tooth becomes sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. The nerve of the tooth becomes irritated, and this can cause pain. A root canal is usually the best treatment for tooth sensitivity.

If you think you might need a root canal, contact Pendleton Orthodontics; root canal treatment can save your tooth and prevent further damage.