We all know what a root canal is- removing the nerve material inside a tooth and replacing it with a filling material. It is feared as a painful procedure but most times it is not. In fact, it relieves tooth pain caused by an inflamed or infected nerve.

Why would someone need a root canal procedure? Here are 7 reasons why your dentist may say you need a root canal on your tooth.

Decay

A cavity is a bacteria-filled, soft hole in the tooth. Small holes starting in the hard enamel outer shell of a tooth are rarely felt. As the bacteria infiltrate deeper into the interior structure of a tooth one might start having some feelings of discomfort with sweets. As the bacteria-driven cavity gets closer to the inner living part of the tooth, or the nerve, sensitivity can become more persistent and uncomfortable. When bacteria reach the nerve, the infection can lead to a root canal treatment.

Infection

When the tooth nerve dies, an infection in the tooth occurs. This can be accompanied by pain and swelling, a bubble on the gums, a bad taste in the mouth, or no symptoms at all. In this situation, the tooth is no longer alive and is the source of the infection. Antibiotics can help decrease the infection but they will not cure it. The source of infection, the tooth, must be removed. A root canal can remove the infected part of the tooth. Some people may decide to remove the tooth entirely to get rid of the infection.

A Bad Fitting Crown

A dental crown or cap is a way to strengthen a weakened tooth and increase its life in the mouth. A crown is placed because of deep cavities, a large piece has broken off, or after a root canal to seal and protect the remaining tooth. A well-placed crown can last for years but not forever. When a crown leaks from a cavity or a weak seal, bacteria can seep under it and decay will occur. Many times it isn’t detected until there is pain in that tooth. Unfortunately, once pain occurs, it means the nerve is involved. This can result in the tooth needing a root canal treatment.

Large Fillings

White fillings are a great way to fill the hole left over after a cavity is removed. They do best when used in small to medium-sized holes. The white filling does not provide much strength. When a large part of the tooth is made up of the white filling material, the tooth is weak and can fall victim to chipping, breaking or even splitting in half. This is especially true of molars with large fillings. Molars take the brunt of chewing forces and need strength. They are more prone to fillings failing or teeth damage from having large fillings placed. These failures could involve the nerve, necessitating a root canal.

Cracked Tooth

A tooth can crack for many reasons such as trauma forces, grinding and clenching teeth, and habits such as chewing ice. Over time, if not treated, the crack can involve the tooth nerve, exposing it to the bacteria in the mouth. A crown is indicated to support the damaged tooth. If the nerve doesn’t heal from the bacterial infiltration, a root canal may be recommended.

Dental Work On A Tooth

Dental work or drilling on a tooth causes trauma to the nerve of the tooth. The vibration and the heat cause inflammation in the nerve which requires time to heal. That is why teeth can ache for a bit after fillings or crowns are done. If the filling was particularly deep, the discomfort can last a few months as the nerve tries to heal. There are times when the cavity is too deep or the filling is too large when the tooth cannot heal itself. Inflammation leads to pain and possibly needing a root canal. Tooth pain that doesn’t go away, becomes more severe, or more persistent are symptoms that the tooth cannot heal and a root canal is indicated

Trauma To The Tooth

Getting a chipped or broken tooth from accidents such as falls or bicycle accidents can be a reason a root canal is recommended. When the tooth is damaged so badly or the nerve is exposed from the accident, nerve death is likely. The dentist may perform a root canal on the tooth before infection to help in restoring the tooth.

At Innovative Dentistry Biltmore, Dr. Ebner and her team strive for healthy options for their patients. We use antibacterial rinsed and decontaminating protocols for fillings and crowns that reduce the bacteria under restorations. The bioactive materials we place under deep fillings and crowns soothe the traumatized nerve and encourage active tooth healing. 

If you are concerned with sensitive teeth, painful fillings, and cavities and want biocompatible options for your mouth and body health, call for an evaluation today! Besides evaluating your teeth for cavities, you will get a head and neck exam, oral cancer screening, gum health evaluation, and bone health and infection evaluation.