Root canal treatments enable your dentist to stop a serious cavity. If decay has enough time to spread, it will actually push its way into the center of your tooth, which is called the pulp. This is where blood vessels and nerves are housed. A root canal is crucial if you want to spare your tooth from being totally destroyed. It can also stop bacteria from spreading past that tooth, and causing more problems. This is not the only procedure available to restore an infected tooth. If you have the cavity addressed before it infiltrates your pulp, you can avoid needing a root canal, and save more of your healthy tooth.
Not Every Cavity Needs A Root Canal
If enough of your tooth is spared after your dentist removes an infection, a filling will make a good dental restoration. A special composite resin is used to “fill” the removed area, with the material bonding directly to your tooth. However, if you do need a root canal, or if the tooth is not strong enough after treatment for a filling, you should expect to have a dental crown fitted over the tooth.
Root Canals Are Not Just For Cavities
Sometimes, a physical injury to a tooth can cause internal damage that needs to be treated. If your tooth is cracked enough to expose your pulp, you can be vulnerable to infection. In these cases, receiving a root canal is important. Not every injury will require a root canal treatment, even if there are signs of physical damage on the tooth. For those injuries, a cosmetic treatment can cover up damage.
