The need for root canal treatment can mean many things, but the most important is that your tooth is likely in serious trouble. Also known as endodontic treatment, root canal treatment is designed to address severe tooth decay, particularly when it reaches the inner pulp chamber of your tooth. The good news is that the procedure is highly successful and, in many cases, minimally invasive. However, if the need for root canal treatment arises, then there are several things you should know about what it may mean for your oral health.
Your Tooth May Be in Serious Trouble
Cavities don’t always seem like a serious issue because they are usually treated in their mild to moderate stages. The tooth decay that causes them, though, can become an extreme threat to your oral health when left untreated. The reason why root canal treatment is necessary is because it stops internal tooth infection from spreading through the root canal and beyond the tooth.
You Might Need to Crown the Tooth Afterward
Root canal treatment saves your tooth by removing the infection from it, but in some cases, the amount of tooth structure lost to decay is substantial. For further protection, your dentist might recommend protecting your tooth with a custom dental crown after the pulp and root canal have been treated.
You Can Avoid the Need for Another Root Canal Treatment
Tooth decay affects each tooth individually, and even if you treat decay in one tooth, the rest may still be at risk, as well. Fortunately, you can avoid the need to have another tooth treated by practicing consistently good hygiene at home and visiting your dentist regularly. By preventing tooth decay or treating it early the next time, you can make sure that your root canal treatment is the last one you’ll ever need.
If You Need Root Canal Treatment
If your tooth requires root canal treatment, then speak with your dentist about what to expect from the treatment and its benefits. To learn more, schedule an appointment by calling Lathrop Dental Center in Katy, TX at 832-437-3849. We proudly welcome patients and families from Katy, Fulshear, Weston Lakes, Simonton, Richmond, Rosenberg, Brookshire, Wallis, Orchard, Cypress, Sealy, Columbus, and all surrounding communities.