If you have a tooth that is badly decayed or infected, you may need root canal treatment to restore the functionality of the tooth. Root canal treatment is needed when the nerve of a tooth is affected by decay or infection. Without the proper treatment, the tissue surrounding the tooth will also become infected and abscesses may begin to form.
In order to save the tooth, the pulp, nerves, bacteria, and any decay is removed. The space that remains is filled with special dental materials, which restore the tooth to its fully functional state.
A common misunderstanding about root canal treatment is that it would just be better to pull a bad tooth than save it. This simply is not true. What people don’t realize is that pulling a tooth is more costly in the long-run and causes significant issues for teeth surrounding the pulled tooth. The tooth’s nerve is not essential to its function, and it only provides sensory functionality. Rest assured that a removed nerve will not impact the functionality of your tooth.
Root canal treatment has a very high success rate and the results typically last your entire life, though in a few cases a tooth may need to be treated again due to recurring infection. Our team can help monitor the results of your root canal and alert you if any problems start to develop.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Treatment:
- An abscess on your gums
- Your teeth become sensitive to sensory feelings, including hot or cold
- Severe tooth pain
- Swelling of the gums
- Gums feeling tender
Reasons for Root Canal Therapy:
- Decay has reached the tooth pulp.
- Infection or abscess have developed inside the tooth or at the root tip.
- Injury or trauma to the tooth.
Dr. Griffin has been the root canal treatment expert for years in Boystown and Wrigleyville and has been involved in many root canal therapy cases. He will inform and educate you on every step of the process to restore your tooth and make you feel comfortable throughout the entire process.
Call our team at Northalsted Dental Spa today at 773-296-0325 or set an appointment using our online form if you have been experiencing any of these signs or would like to know if you are a candidate to save a tooth with root canal treatment.
