While root canal treatments are often used to resolve severe toothaches, you may need one even if you are not feeling any pain. In some cases, you may not experience discomfort even if serious dental health issues are wreaking havoc on your teeth and a root canal may be the best way to end a destructive infection and preserve your smile. Here’s a brief guide to why you may need this procedure even if your mouth seems reasonably comfortable.
Serious Cracks and Chips
Sometimes, an extensive chip or crack in the enamel can expose the inner structures of your tooth to harmful bacteria in the air and the oral environment. If this leads to an infection, you may not notice any pain while the problem is in its early stages. Treating a seriously cracked or chipped tooth with a root canal may be the best way to prevent an agonizing toothache and save the tooth from extraction even if it doesn’t hurt.
A Compromised Crown
A dental crown is sometimes necessary to protect a tooth after serious damage or an intensive endodontic treatment. However, the tooth can become vulnerable to harmful bacteria if this restoration is damaged or dislodged. To prevent this, it is sometimes necessary to perform a root canal on a tooth with a compromised crown to reduce the possibility of infection even if no pain is present.
Severe Decay
Tooth decay begins as a cavity that can probably be easily addressed with a dental filling, but severe cases of decay may require more intensive treatments. A root canal may be the safest way to eliminate decayed tissue as well as the infection causing the problem. In some cases, a tooth may be seriously infected even if the patient doesn’t feel any pain, and a root canal may be the best option to preserve their oral health.
How Do Root Canals Work?
After you are approved for the treatment, your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort, and you may receive a sedation treatment if needed. Then, they will access the inner chamber of your tooth, remove the infected tissue, and sanitize and seal the dental structure. You may also receive a dental crown to restore your tooth’s appearance and function after the procedure.
Tooth decay can lead to serious oral health issues like tooth loss if left untreated. If your dentist recommends a root canal, you can rest assured that receiving one is in your best interest.
About the Practice
Frandsen Dental of West Jordon offers the most excellent oral healthcare in town. Led by Drs. Benjamin Cluff, Brad Richens, Brian Frandsen, and Dan Dansie, the staff ensures that each patient is treated with remarkable courtesy and outstanding customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry such as root canals. To learn more about the issues root canals can treat, contact the office online or dial (801) 890-0030.