When Is a Root Canal Necessary?

Your dentist tells you that you need a root canal. Several thoughts might go through your mind. Is it really necessary? Will it hurt? What will actually happen during this commonly dreaded procedure?

At Family Dental Care in West Palm Beach, Florida, our team wants to put your mind at ease — and Dr. Sujay Trivedi and Dr. Michael Westcott are here to answer any questions you might have about your root canal. 

While you can rest assured that we’ll only recommend this tooth-saving treatment when you truly need it, you probably want to know when a root canal is necessary. Read on to find out. 

Understanding root canals

Dentists use root canal therapy to save teeth from deep decay and infection. By the time Dr. Westcott or Dr. Trivedi recommends this treatment, a simple filling will no longer do the trick. At that point, your options are usually to get a root canal or have a tooth extraction.

That’s because a root canal allows us to address extensive decay and other serious tooth issues. It works by removing the pulp (the soft tissue inside your tooth), which can get inflamed and infected. Not only does this stop tooth decay in its tracks, but it also alleviates any tooth pain you’ve been experiencing. 

After Dr. Trivedi or Dr. Westcott removes the problematic pulp, they carefully clean, fill, and seal the interior of the tooth. Depending on the severity of your tooth issue, you may need a crown to protect your treated tooth after your root canal. 

A root canal doesn’t impact the longevity of your teeth. Once they’re fully formed, they don’t need the pulp to survive anymore. In fact, getting this treatment gives you a way to save a tooth that would otherwise need to be pulled. 

When you need a root canal

So, when does a root canal become necessary? When your tooth issue has extended past the enamel and dentin that make up its hard exterior, and spread to the soft pulpy tissue inside. 

Our team might recommend a root canal when:

• The tooth pulp is infected and inflamed 
• The tooth has required repeated fillings
• A tooth is damaged, exposing the pulp
• Infection has reached the nerves in the pulp

If you need a root canal, don’t worry. Its reputation as a painful procedure is a holdover from decades ago. Thanks to modern dentistry, getting a root canal is no more uncomfortable than getting a basic cavity filling. 

Getting a root canal can save your tooth — and save you from a serious toothache. If you’re having tooth pain or you’re ready to schedule your routine teeth cleaning and oral exam, call our Family Dental Care team at 561-556-1698 during normal business hours. Alternatively, you can use our easy online booking feature to schedule your appointment any time.