Why Do I Need a Root Canal?

When one of our dentists tells you that you need a root canal, it is natural to worry about the procedure. You may wonder why you need a root canal or a less invasive procedure such as a filling would suffice. Or perhaps you would rather have the tooth extracted. While there are other options, if we recommend a root canal, all other options have failed, and the root canal is the only way to save the tooth.

A root canal involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it to prevent further infection. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during the process.

When Do You Recommend a Root Canal?

We only recommend a root canal when all other avenues for saving a severely damaged or infected tooth have failed and the tooth’s pulp is infected. The tooth’s pulp is the soft center of the tooth, containing connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. Infection is caused by advanced decay, cracks, chips, injury, or repeated dental procedures.

Why Do I Need a Root Canal?

Choosing a root canal to save a severely decayed or damaged tooth is a decision that prioritizes your oral health. The root canal procedure offers immediate relief from the often intense pain caused by the infected pulp. By removing the pulp, we stop the pain and prevent the infection from spreading to the jawbone and adjacent teeth. This proactive approach not only saves your tooth but also safeguards against potential tooth loss and jawbone deterioration.

Remember, your mouth is the gateway to your body’s systems, and an infection in the pulp can quickly spread to vital organs. A root canal removes the infected pulp, preventing the spread of disease and infection, giving you peace of mind about your overall health.

Why Can’t You Pull the Tooth?

Tooth extraction is a last resort that comes with its own set of problems. While tooth extraction will relieve immediate pain, it leaves an empty tooth socket. The socket will collapse over time, causing other teeth to shift out of alignment. The socket is also a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. It isn’t easy to keep clean, encouraging cavities in adjacent teeth. Replacing the tooth can be expensive, but the alternative is an increased risk of dental problems and systemic infection.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Occasionally, you may have an infected tooth with no symptoms. However, most individuals with an infected pulp will have one or more of the following symptoms:

• A severe toothache that doesn’t go away, particularly pain deep in the tooth or spreading to the jawbone.
• If your tooth hurts when pressure is applied, such as when you’re chewing, it may be damaged nerves in the tooth pulp.
• Red, swollen gums that are tender to the touch.
• A pimple or boil on the gums that may ooze pus and blood.
• A swollen jaw.
• A discolored tooth, which might be caused by infection blocking blood flow to the tooth.
• A loose tooth caused by infection damaging the supporting bone.

If you have any of the symptoms above, please contact our office at Naperville IL Dentist Office Phone Number 630-579-6000 and schedule an appointment as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the infection. We will do everything possible to alleviate your pain and save your tooth with a minimally invasive root canal.