Can Root Canal Therapy Save a Tooth?

When teeth are severely damaged by tooth decay or a tooth infection develops, root canal therapy is often necessary to restore the tooth’s health and structural integrity. Although no patient wants to need root canal therapy, understanding when a dentist might recommend it can be helpful.

How root canal therapy can save a tooth

There are several reasons that a dentist might recommend root canal therapy, but the main purpose in almost every instance is to save the tooth from becoming lost. The following is a complete overview of how root canal therapy can save a tooth and the benefits of choosing root canal therapy treatment. 

The purpose of root canal therapy

A root canal therapy is often necessary when the structural integrity of the tooth is compromised and at risk of falling out of the socket. Most commonly, dentists recommend root canal therapy to address issues of tooth infection and tooth decay. Treatment involves drilling a small hole in the tooth to access the pulp chamber. The dentist can then remove the infected pulp and replace it with a healthy substitute filling material before sealing it up in a clean and safe manner. 

The benefits of root canal therapy

The benefits of root canal therapy depend on the specific person, the purpose of the procedure and the location of the tooth. Several commonly reported benefits include:

• Saves the tooth from becoming lost
• Prevents tooth infection from spreading
• Restores the size, shape and function of the tooth
• Improves and restores the tooth’s appearance

The benefits vary from person to person. When considering all available options for treating a damaged or decayed tooth, it is helpful to discuss the benefits of root canal therapy with a dentist.

When a dentist might recommend a root canal

Dentists typically recommend root canal therapy when there are issues with the dental pulp inside of the pulp chamber in the root of the tooth. The two main concerns that can affect the dental pulp are decay and infection. In both instances, removing the dental pulp and replacing it is necessary to save the tooth from becoming lost. Dentists will examine the tooth in question and the symptoms that the patient is experiencing when determining if root canal therapy is necessary.

What to expect during root canal therapy

Root canal therapy involves making a small hole into the tooth, removing the infected dental pulp in the pulp chamber and filling the tooth with gutta-percha (dental filling). Dentists typically recommend having a dental crown placed after the damaged tooth is treated through root canal therapy. This prevents future damage to the tooth and restores its size, shape, function and appearance. 

Consult with our dental team to learn more

Root canal therapy is not always necessary, but it is important to have a damaged or decayed tooth examined and promptly treated to avoid further damage or losing the tooth. Here at our dentistry, we offer root canal therapy to help patients with severe decay or a tooth infection save their tooth from becoming lost. 

Request an appointment here: https://frankforddentalcare.com or call Frankford Dental Care at (215) 302-1746 for an appointment in our Philadelphia office.

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