Root canal treatment is needed for an infected tooth. A lingering toothache is usually a symptom of an infection.
Why It’s Necessary
*Image courtesy of New York Endodontists
Trauma to a tooth or deep decay can lead to an infection. Your body’s response to the infection results in the need for root canal treatment.
- Your body sends antibodies and white blood cells to fight the bacteria.
- The pulp (living tissue inside the tooth) swells, chokes, and dies because the canals in your tooth are too narrow for the swollen tissue to survive.
- The infection spreads to the canals of the tooth and reaches the bone tissue at the end of the tooth.
- A tooth abscess develops, and root canal treatment is needed to remove the infection.
What to Expect During Root Canal Treatment
The purpose of the treatment is to remove the infection, prevent it from spreading, and protect your tooth from further damage.
- Decay and infected tissue are thoroughly cleaned out of your tooth and its roots.
- A root canal sealer material is used to fill the entire tooth.
- Although the infection will be removed, the tooth will be weak, and a dental crown is needed to protect it and prevent the tooth from fracturing.
- Dr. Becker’s techniques ensure the procedure is comfortable and painless.
- Although some people think the procedure will be painful and it’s better to have the tooth extracted, an extraction is more difficult than root canal treatment.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
- Virtually painless – Most of our patients don’t experience any pain at all. Any discomfort you experience will be minimal. In contrast, a tooth extraction can be difficult and painful.
- Saves time and money – Saving your natural tooth saves time and money. An extracted tooth needs to be replaced with a dental bridge or a dental implant, which costs more and requires more dental visits than root canal treatment.
- Better for your oral health – This treatment preserves your natural tooth, which is better for your oral health than an extraction and tooth replacement.
If you have a toothache, or if you think your tooth might be infected, contact us. Dr. Becker will examine your tooth and recommend the appropriate treatment. Call us or request an appointment online.