What are the most evident indications that a root canal is indeed necessary? If your dentist advises you to get root canal treatment, you are not alone. There are more than 15 million root canals performed per year.

A root canal is a standard dental procedure used to treat teeth with inflamed or infected pulp, typically caused by a deep cavity or tooth injury. After cleaning out the infected pulp, the tooth will continue to work normally without the discomfort and sensitivity you previously felt.

When you have a problem with your tooth pulp, endodontic therapy is the most practical option. In the best-case scenario, your dentist's recommendation for root canal therapy means you can save your tooth.

Aside from saving the tooth, a root canal has several other benefits, like fixing the root canal pain, keeping the bone around your tooth, and avoiding paying for an expensive implant. However, it can be uncomfortable, and if not done right, there is a small risk of infection after the procedure. For this reason, you need to go to a reliable dentist for a root canal.

If your dentist is prescribing you get one, there are several compelling reasons to schedule the operation as soon as possible. Here are three warning signs that a root canal is necessary:

1. Tooth Decay and Infection

What is the reason you require a root canal? Several circumstances may lead to your dentist recommending a root canal rather than an extraction or another treatment option. When tooth decay leads to severe infection, a root canal procedure is necessary to help save the tooth and maintain the structural integrity of your jaw.

A basic root canal treatment procedure allows the dentist to reach the pulp, remove any diseased tissue, and limit the spread of infection. It helps your dentist to examine for nerve injury or further dentin damage as well. A reliable dentist will prescribe antibiotics to clear up any infection before sealing the tooth with a filling and, in most cases, a dental cap.

2. Persistent or Worsening Pain

You will lose an infected or decaying tooth without a root canal. The infected pulp will not heal by itself, even with medication. If you ignore this problem and forego a root canal, you would either have to go through tooth retraction or experience persistent or worsening tooth problems. The first discomfort you’ll have to keep enduring is the pain, and the pain will only get worse as you leave the infected root canal untreated.

You may experience soreness after your root canal operation, but at least the pain will only be temporary and manageable with a pain reliever that your dentist will prescribe. The discomfort after a root canal is nothing compared to the pain you may experience if you choose to do nothing.

3. Infection Spreading in the Gums and Beyond

An untreated pulp infection can also spread to your gums and jaw. If you've never had gum disease, the level of pain may surprise you. Gum infections do more than cause bleeding in your gums.  They can eventually damage the bone structure and tear down healthy tissue. Doing nothing might have long-term consequences that require expensive dental treatments later.

What's more alarming is when the infection spreads beyond your gums to other areas of the body. Dental issues impact more than your teeth, gums, and mouth. How unfortunate if the infection affects other vital systems in your body, such as your brain and heart.

Conclusion

Root canals are a common dental treatment that, contrary to popular belief, does not involve much pain. It is a healthier alternative to tooth extraction or ignoring your problem altogether. Visit a reliable dentist in your area immediately to prevent the complications of an untreated dental infection.

Are you looking for a full-service dental office in Murfreesboro? Cosmetic Dentistry of Murfreesboro has been the trusted choice for dental healthcare since 1992, brightening smiles for over 25 years. We offer complete services such as family dentistry, bridges, veneers, crowns, Invisalign braces, teeth straightening, veneer teeth, and bonding. Book an appointment today!