An infected tooth does not always need to be removed. If enough healthy tooth remains, root canal treatment may help treat the infection and save the natural tooth. An infection can occur when deep decay, a crack, or an injury allows bacteria to reach the inside of the tooth. This may cause pain, swelling, or other dental problems. If left untreated, the tooth may become harder to save. Root canal therapy in Weston removes the infected tissue, cleans the inside of the tooth, and seals it to help prevent another infection. When the tooth can be saved, it may help you chew normally and avoid needing a replacement tooth.
The right treatment depends on the amount of damage, the condition of the tooth, and whether it can be restored.
What Is Root Canal Therapy for an Infected Tooth?
Root Canal Therapy for an Infected Tooth removes infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth. The space is then cleaned, filled, and sealed.
This treatment may be considered when the infection has reached the inner part of the tooth and cannot be managed with a simple filling.
Common signs may include:
- Persistent tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Swelling near the tooth
- A small bump on the gum
- Tooth discolouration
Not every toothache requires root canal therapy, so an examination is needed to identify the cause.
How Can Root Canal Therapy Save a Tooth?
A dentist in Weston may recommend root canal therapy when the infected tooth has enough healthy structure to be restored. The infected tissue is removed instead of removing the entire tooth.
The treatment generally involves:
- Opening the tooth to reach the infected area.
- Removing the damaged tissue.
- Cleaning the inside of the tooth.
- Filling and sealing the cleaned space.
- Restoring the tooth so it can function normally.
The exact treatment may vary depending on the tooth and the extent of the infection.
How Does Root Canal Therapy Prevent Tooth Extraction?
How Root Canal Therapy Prevents Tooth Extraction comes down to treating the infection while keeping the natural tooth in place. Extraction removes the entire tooth, while root canal therapy aims to remove the infection from inside the existing tooth.
Keeping a natural tooth can help:
- Maintain normal chewing
- Preserve the position of nearby teeth.
- Avoid the need to replace the missing tooth.
- Maintain the natural structure of the mouth.
Root canal therapy cannot save every infected tooth. A tooth that is badly broken, has very little healthy structure left, or cannot be properly restored may still need to be removed.
What Happens If an Infected Tooth Is Left Untreated?
An untreated infection may continue to damage the tooth and surrounding tissues. Pain may sometimes decrease temporarily, but that does not necessarily mean the infection has gone away.
Possible concerns include:
- Increasing pain or pressure
- Swelling around the tooth
- A dental abscess
- Damage to surrounding tissues
- Eventual tooth loss
A dental office near you can assess the tooth and determine whether root canal therapy or another treatment is appropriate.
When Is Root Canal Therapy a Suitable Option?
Root canal therapy near you may be an option when the inside of a tooth is infected or badly damaged, but the tooth can still be saved.
The dentist may look at:
- How much healthy tooth is left
- Where the infection is and how large it is
- Whether the tooth is cracked or broken
- The health of the tissues around the tooth
- Whether the tooth can be repaired after treatment
A dental exam and X-rays can help the dentist assess the tooth and determine whether root canal treatment is suitable.
Can a Severely Infected Tooth Still Be Saved?
Root Canal Therapy in Weston may save some teeth with advanced infection, but severity alone does not determine whether treatment will work. The amount of remaining healthy tooth structure and the overall condition of the tooth also matter.
A severely infected tooth may still be considered for root canal therapy when it can be cleaned, sealed, and restored. If the tooth cannot be restored safely, extraction may be recommended instead.
Find Out If Your Natural Tooth Can Be Preserved!
An infected tooth may still be treatable when enough healthy tooth structure remains. Leaving symptoms unchecked can allow the problem to progress, while timely dental care can help determine whether the tooth may be treated rather than removed. Dental Specialists of Weston can examine the affected tooth and help identify the appropriate next step based on its condition. Book your appointment to have persistent pain, swelling, or other signs of infection evaluated, and find out whether saving the natural tooth is possible.
Get directions to Dental Specialists of Weston and visit our office to have an infected tooth evaluated and learn whether root canal therapy may help save it.
FAQs
Can root canal treatment save a badly infected tooth?
Sometimes, yes. A badly infected tooth may be saved if enough healthy tooth is left and the tooth can be repaired. Your dentist will need to examine the tooth to determine whether root canal treatment is a good option.
How do I know if I need a root canal or a tooth removal?
It depends on the condition of the tooth. A root canal may be an option if the tooth can still be repaired. A tooth may need to be removed if it is badly damaged and cannot be repaired.
How long can a tooth last after a root canal?
A tooth can continue to work for many years after a root canal if it is properly repaired and cared for. How long it lasts depends on the amount of healthy tooth left, the restoration, and your daily oral care.
Is root canal treatment painful?
The dentist will numb the area during treatment, so you should not expect significant pain. You may have some soreness or discomfort afterward, but this usually gets better as the area heals.
