If you have an infected tooth, your dentist may recommend root canal treatment to remove the infection and save your tooth. While root canal treatment has a reputation for being painful, modern techniques and local anesthetics have made it a relatively comfortable procedure. Here’s why root canal treatment is necessary for infected teeth:
- It controls pain and discomfort: If you have an infected tooth, you may experience pain and discomfort, especially when biting or chewing. The infection can also cause swelling and tenderness in the gums. Root canal treatment can help alleviate these symptoms and restore the health of your tooth.
- It prevents infection from spreading to other teeth: If left untreated, an infected tooth can spread infection to other teeth, leading to further damage and the need for additional treatment. By removing the infection through root canal treatment, you can prevent the spread of infection and protect the health of your other teeth.
- It prevents tooth loss: If an infected tooth is not treated, it can eventually lead to tooth loss. This can not only cause further discomfort and pain, but it can also affect your ability to chew and speak properly. Root canal treatment can help save your tooth and prevent the need for more invasive procedures, such as tooth extraction or dental implants.
- It is quick and painless: Modern root canal treatment techniques and local anesthetics make the procedure relatively quick and painless. Your dentist will numb the area around your infected tooth and use specialized tools to remove the infected tissue from the inside of your tooth. After the procedure, you may experience some discomfort and sensitivity, but these symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
- It improves the appearance of your tooth: In addition to restoring the health of your tooth, root canal treatment can also improve its appearance. After the procedure, your dentist may place a crown, or cap, on your tooth to protect it and improve its appearance. A crown is a custom-made, tooth-shaped restoration that covers the visible portion of your tooth and can help restore its natural shape and function.
Overall, root canal treatment is necessary for infected teeth to remove the infection, alleviate pain and discomfort, prevent the spread of infection, and save your tooth. While the procedure has a reputation for being painful, modern techniques and local anesthetics make it a relatively comfortable and effective way to restore the health of your tooth.
