Learning you need a root canal might not be the news you want to hear. After all, no one wants to believe their tooth pain could be the result of poor oral hygiene or an injury that has worsened over time. The reality is that root canals are a necessary procedure when faced with serious damage or decay. While less invasive treatments can effectively fix minor cavities, more complex procedures are often required when there is a chance you might lose your natural tooth. Read on to hear from a dentist who explains what scenarios warrant root canal therapy and why sometimes a filling just isn’t enough.
The Necessity of a Root Canal
It’s not every day that your dentist will recommend a root canal. Only in cases when the innermost layer (i.e. the pulp) is damaged as a result of decay or injury will she recommend this type of oral procedure.
If you were to look at the interior of your tooth, you would see there is the top layer (enamel), middle layer (dentin), and then the pulp. This area contains nerve tissue that when infected, can cause increased pain and inflammation. In more serious cases, if the pulp begins to break down, bacteria can spread past the root and create what is known as an abscess. This is potentially life-threatening and should be treated immediately.
To avoid this potential problem, your dentist will examine the tooth in question and determine if a root canal is necessary. You should remember that it is the goal of your dentist to help you maintain your natural teeth as long as possible and by providing this type of complex treatment, they can save your tooth from extraction.
Why a Filling Isn’t Enough
If you’re wondering, “Why can’t I just get a filling to take care of my decayed tooth,” the reason is that when decay extends beyond the enamel or dentin layers, a dental filling simply will not produce the necessary results.
When your dentist recommends a filling, it is because the decay has only penetrated the first or second layer of your tooth. As a result, she can use composite resin to fill in the thoroughly cleaned area and create a tight seal to prevent reinfection. But if you are feeling immense pain and tooth sensitivity, there is a good chance the problem has reached the pulp layer and is affecting the nerves. In this situation, the only choice is to perform a root canal in an attempt to mitigate more serious issues (i.e. abscess).
You should know that your dentist will never recommend a treatment you do not need. So, if you discover you could benefit from root canal therapy, view it as a necessary procedure that will help you to enjoy your natural smile longer.
About the Author
Dr. Joanne Bancroft has been practicing dentistry since 2003. Earning her dental degree from the State University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in 2002, she completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. She earned the recognition of being one of Westminster’s Top 3 Local Dentists in 2019 as well as one of Colorado’s Top Dentists in 2020. Whether she is performing a general checkup or preparing an individual for a root canal, she believes in patient-focused treatment that ensures safety and comfort. Do you have a problem tooth that needs repairing? Do you believe you could benefit from root canal therapy? If so, contact us at (720) 458-6561.