What Happens if I Don’t Get a Needed Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal therapy continues to save millions of teeth worldwide each year. Despite its stigma, the relatively comfortable procedure relieves pain rather than causing it and allows you to enjoy a healthy, functional smile.
What Is a Root Canal Treatment?
Inside each tooth is a space called the pulp chamber containing blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. If the tooth’s pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to trauma, chips, cracks, extensive decay, or repeated dental treatments, you’ll need root canal therapy to save the tooth and restore its function. The procedure involves removing the diseased pulp tissue and sealing the tooth to prevent future infections. With proper care, your treated tooth can last a lifetime.
What Happens if You Don’t Get a Needed Root Canal Treatment?
Unlike the rest of the body, damaged teeth cannot heal themselves. Left untreated, infected pulp can cause many complications, including an abscess, swelling, bone loss around the tooth roots, and damage to the surrounding teeth. Moreover, the infection can enter the bloodstream, posing a risk to your health.
The only alternative to a needed root canal treatment is having the affected tooth extracted. In that case, you’ll likely require a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture to prevent problems stemming from missing a tooth, including bone loss, crooked teeth, and problems with your bite. Root canal therapy is a simple and highly effective option to alleviate pain and save a damaged tooth, leaving you with a healthy, functional smile.
What Are Signs You May Require a Root Canal Treatment?
Symptoms of tooth pulp damage include persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, tooth discoloration, and a recurring pimple that forms on the gums. In some cases, diseased tooth pulp does not produce any symptoms and can only be detected during a routine dental exam.
What Is the Root Canal Procedure?
We’ll start by examining the affected tooth and taking 3D images for evaluation. Once we determine that you require a root canal treatment, we will numb the area and administer dental sedation, if needed, for your comfort.
We will make a small opening in the tooth’s crown to access and remove the pulp tissue, reshape the root canals, and clean and sterilize the area. We’ll place a medication, then fill your root canals with a biocompatible, rubber-like substance known as gutta-percha. The last step is sealing the space with a filling material.
After your root canal treatment, you’ll need to return to your general dentist to place a dental crown on the treated tooth to protect it from fracture or damage.
Root Canal Treatment Near Me
Contact Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs Endodontics if you have a damaged or painful tooth. We may recommend root canal therapy to save your tooth and restore your functional smile. You can count on our team for exceptional, comfortable care. Call us to schedule your appointment today!