Root Canal Treatment to Save Your Tooth
Root canal treatment is one of the most common dental treatments to save a highly infected or damaged tooth. Many people associate root canals with pain, but the fact is that they are designed to help relieve pain and avoid the need for tooth extraction. The infected pulp in the tooth is removed, cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to prevent future infection.
The need for a root canal often develops when a tooth has decayed, cracked, or otherwise suffered trauma that would allow the bacteria to penetrate inside the tooth and infect the pulp—soft tissue inside the tooth. Pain can be intense, teeth may be sensitive to heat or cold, and in rare cases, swelling or an abscess may result. If left untreated, the infection can lead to the tooth falling out.
Root canal treatments have a high success rate and can save a tooth for many years. In fact, a tooth with a root canal can last a lifetime with proper care. If you are experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity, it’s important to seek dental care as soon as possible. Early intervention can help preserve the tooth and prevent more serious complications.