Many people shudder at the thought of needing a root canal procedure. It sounds more serious than getting a filling, and there is a lot of misunderstanding that surrounds the procedure. Like many other things in life, knowing what to expect can help reduce much of the fear and mystery that surrounds getting a root canal.

What is a root canal procedure?

The phrase ‘root canal’ is used to describe a part of your tooth as well as a dental procedure. On your tooth, the root canal is the space inside the root of your tooth. This canal is filled with pulp that can become infected. The root canal procedure is often necessary when this pulp becomes inflamed or infected. During the procedure, your dentist opens up the tooth, removes the infected pulp, and cleans the canal. Once the infected material is out, the canal is filled with a rubber-like material to help maintain the strength of the tooth.

When is a root canal procedure necessary?

There are a number of reasons why you may need a root canal. Untreated decay in your tooth can lead to an infection inside the root. Old dental work that has become faulty can leave your tooth vulnerable to decay and root problems. Cracks, chips, and trauma can all lead to the need for a root canal. Any time you sustain trauma to a tooth, it is important to have it checked out by your dentist.

What will happen if I leave my infected root canal untreated?

A tooth that needs a root canal may initially present like a simple cavity. You may notice some pain and sensitivity in the tooth. If you leave a tooth that needs a root canal untreated, the consequences can get serious very quickly. The infection in the pulp of your teeth can spread if left untreated and lead to an abscess. An abscess occurs when the infection spreads under the root of your tooth or beside it. Abscesses can lead to severe pain and spread infection to the other parts of your mouth, jaw, and body. Untreated root canal problems can lead to the need for additional dental work and can even cause tooth loss.

No one wants to go through any type of dental procedure that has the potential to cause pain. But, the pain that you will experience if you leave an infected root canal untreated far surpasses any discomfort you will have as a result of the procedure. There are times when a root canal procedure is the best option for saving your tooth and protecting your overall health. Still feeling uncertain? Keep reading and learning about the procedure over at the Coral West Dental blog. Express your concerns to your dentist and talk through the procedure so you know exactly what to expect when it is time for your root canal.