A toothache can be caused by a wide range of different reasons from a cavity to a broken tooth even to sinus issues. When a toothache is caused by inflammation and infection inside of your tooth’s inner pulp, a root canal treatment may become necessary to save your tooth. The words “root canal” can create a certain level of fear or anxiety for you, but root canal treatments are often no more painful than the toothache they are relieving. Why does a root canal treatment become necessary? 

Why Is It Needed?

If your dentist recommends a root canal treatment, the intent is to save a vulnerable tooth. Once damage or tooth decay has reached the inner cavities of your tooth, it can lead to a severe and sometimes deadly infection. Decay and damage of teeth does not go away or heal on its own. An infection can spread to the rest of your mouth and body. The toothache can become unbearably painful. If decay and infection get to a point of severe infection, the only option left may be a dental extraction. A root canal treatment can help protect a tooth and restore it before an extraction is necessary.

What Is It?

Root canal treatment is also referred to as endodontic treatment. The process starts by accessing the inside of the tooth to thoroughly disinfect the inner chamber. Damaged or infected pieces of your tooth and/or soft tissue may need to be removed. Once the tooth is completely disinfected, your dentist may fill the area with a plastic-like substance called gutta percha to strengthen the inner pulp of the tooth. To protect and restore your tooth, a crown may be applied. A crown acts as a cap to restore the appearance and functions of your tooth that was once vulnerable.

A root canal treatment can save your tooth.

A root canal treatment could rescue your tooth from extraction. To schedule a consultation with Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, call us at 903-455-5750. We proudly serve patients from Hunt County, Greenville, Royce City, Sulphur Springs, and all surrounding communities.