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Root Canal Treatment for Tooth Preservation
Root canal therapy is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. In order to save the tooth, the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth), nerves, bacteria, and any decay are removed and the resulting space is filled with special, medicated, dental materials, which restore the tooth to its full function.
Having a root canal done on a tooth is the treatment of choice to save a tooth that otherwise would die and have to be removed. Many patients believe that removing a tooth that has problems is the solution, but what is not realized is that extracting (pulling) a tooth will ultimately be more costly and cause significant problems for adjacent teeth.
Root canal treatment is highly successful and usually lasts a lifetime, although on occasion, a tooth will have to be retreated due to new infections.
Signs and Symptoms for Possible Root Canal Therapy
Not every dental problem causes obvious pain, but certain symptoms may indicate that a tooth’s pulp is infected or damaged. Recognizing these early warning signs is important, as prompt treatment can save your tooth and prevent the spread of infection. If you experience any of the following, it may be time to discuss root canal therapy with your dentist:
- An abscess (or pimple-like bump) on the gums
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after exposure
- Severe or throbbing toothache pain
- Swelling and/or tenderness in the gums or face
- Tooth discoloration or darkening
- Sometimes, no noticeable symptoms are present at all
Even if your tooth does not hurt, an infection may still be present, which is why regular checkups and X-rays are so important.
Reasons for Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy becomes necessary when the inner pulp of the tooth has been damaged by decay, infection, or trauma. If left untreated, the infection can spread, leading to increased pain, bone loss, or even tooth loss. Root canals are often recommended for:
- Deep decay that has reached the pulp (the living tissue inside the tooth)
- Infection or abscesses inside the tooth or at the root tip
- Injury or trauma that has cracked, fractured, or killed the tooth’s nerve
- Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth that have weakened its structure
By removing the infection and sealing the tooth, root canal therapy allows you to keep your natural tooth instead of losing it. Saving your natural teeth is always the best option for maintaining proper chewing, alignment, and overall oral health.
If you are experiencing persistent pain, sensitivity, or swelling, don’t delay treatment. Schedule a consultation with West Towson Dental to see if root canal therapy is the right solution for preserving your smile.