When to Take Root Canal Treatment Seriously

Tooth decay can range from mild to severe, depending on several factors. For example, if it’s only just developed, then you might be able to fill the cavity that’s formed with a tooth-colored filling. If it’s been a while, then you might need more involved treatment, such as root canal treatment. At our Gary, IN, dental office, we recommend root canal treatment when tooth decay reaches the inner chambers of your tooth – its pulp and root canal. The longer you wait to treat it, the more serious it will become, making root canal treatment necessary to save your tooth.

How long has your tooth been decaying?

One of the biggest factors in the need for root canal treatment is the length of time that your tooth decay has been present. Like most dental health conditions, tooth decay is progressive, which means it will continue to infect more of your tooth structure the longer it’s left untreated. For patients who require root canal treatment, the decay has reached beyond the tooth crown’s main structure, making it too severe to address with a tooth filling. Instead, treating your tooth will require removing the tissues from within the pulp and root canal, and then restoring the tooth and its inner structures with biocompatible material.

Has your tooth begun to hurt severely?

When tooth decay becomes severe enough to warrant root canal treatment, it’s because the infection in your tooth has become a greater threat to your oral health. Along with the increased threat comes a sharp increase in your tooth’s pain and sensitivity. Severe tooth pain is often indicative of infected tooth nerves, which are located in the pulp and root canal. By performing root canal treatment, we can remove these infected nerves and other tissues, alleviating the intense pain that they case.

Has the tooth crown been fractured or broken?

Even if your tooth hasn’t been decaying for a long time, root canal treatment may still be necessary in several other situations. For example, if your tooth’s crown is fractured enough to expose its pulp chamber, then harmful oral bacteria may directly infect the nerves and tissues within it. This can lead to the need for root canal therapy to remove the infection before we restore the tooth with an appropriate restoration, such as a dental crown.

Learn if you need root canal therapy

When your dentist tells you that you need root canal therapy, it’s best to take the advice seriously and seek treatment as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment with your dentist, contact Healthy Smiles in Gary, IN, by calling 219-938-2637, or by emailing our office at info@healthysmilesnwi.com. We also proudly serve the residents of Gary, Miller, Miller Beach, and all surrounding communities.