People tend to associate the words “root canal” with pain, cost, and inconvenience. If you’ve been told you need root canal therapy, then it’s understandable if you’re desperate for another option.
But before you can decide whether to get a root canal, you should know why it’s been recommended.
Why Get A Root Canal?
If an infected tooth nerve isn’t removed, it can cause significant damage to the tooth and surrounding bone with an abscess. This infection can also spread to other parts of the body.
A root canal is simply when the dentist drills into the infected tooth to relieve pressure and clean out the dying nerve. If you’re suffering from an excruciating toothache, then root canal therapy could be your ticket to relief!
After removing the infected tissue, the dentist then sanitizes the inside of the tooth and fills in the hollow with a special filling. Capping off the tooth with a crown ensures strength and stability.
What If You Don’t Get Root Canal Therapy?
In reality, there is no other way to treat a tooth that’s so badly damaged. The only other alternative is to pull the tooth out entirely.
So when decay or a fracture threatens the nerve of your tooth, you are left with a couple basic options:
- Root canal to save your tooth
- Extract your tooth and replace it with an implant, bridge, or partial denture
At The Grove Family Dentistry, Dr. Truong performs very gentle root canals, often with the help of needle-free anesthesia. Contact our office today to learn more about why a root canal might be the best option for your smile.