If your dentist informs you that you need a root canal for a cavity, it means that your cavity has moved into the interior of your tooth, and is threatening the living tissue within. When an infection makes it to this area – the pulp – it has the potential to kill your tooth. Not every cavity requires a root canal, but it is important to note that a root canal can be the last step to save your tooth without having it extracted. A root canal treatment is not solely used for cavities, as it can also restore the health of a tooth that has been injured.
Saving A Vulnerable Infected Tooth
A cavity that has time to progress will find its way into the pulp, where it can infect the living tissue that sustains your tooth. Not only can a cavity at this stage do irreparable harm to the tooth, it can also move through the root and do more damage. In the course of a root canal treatment, your dentist will access your pulp, take out the infected tissue, and re-seal the area. A tooth after a root canal will typically have a dental crown placed over it.
How To Avoid Needing A Root Canal
The best way to avoid a root canal is to avoid cavities. However, you can successfully have a cavity treated without a root canal, if your dentist can address it in time. A cavity that has not bypassed your enamel can typically be treated with a composite filling, which fills the area where the infected surface was removed, and bonds directly to the surrounding enamel.
Dr. Brian Evans, the current owner of Wager Evans Dental, initially worked as a CPA before transitioning to dentistry to make a greater impact on people's lives. He joined his father-in-law to expand a three-decade-long legacy in the northern Nevada community, eventually taking over the practice. Dr. Evans prioritizes a comfortable environment for his patients and stays at the forefront of dental technology and medical techniques through continuous education and advanced training, focusing on oral and systemic health.
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