What Causes a Root Canal? 

Whether you already know that you need a root canal or want to prevent the need for one, understanding the causes can help. So, what causes a root canal? Several factors can lead to you needing root canal therapy. But regardless of the reasons, you can trust us at Innovative Endodontics to make the procedure as comfortable and painless as possible.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal refers to the treatment an endodontist performs to take the infected pulp out of a tooth. After you have a root canal, you should feel relief from your original discomfort.

When you have root canal therapy, your endodontist accesses the pulp inside your tooth to remove bacteria and inflamed material. By removing the inflamed and infected pulp, the endodontist prevents the infection from spreading and causing more discomfort or systemic infection. They also help to protect you from losing the tooth since the only alternative treatment to a root canal is extraction.

Once the endodontist cleans out the root canals, they will seal it and add a filling. Your dentist may place a crown on the treated tooth, depending on the location of the tooth.

Despite having the nerves and pulp removed, the treated tooth will continue to function normally, letting you maintain your smile.

Why You May Need a Root Canal or What Causes a Root Canal

Root canals treat pulp infections or inflammation. Therefore, some of the reasons you may need a root canal is due to bacteria entering the innermost parts of the tooth. 

The following are also some of the most common reasons that your endodontist may recommend a root canal:

Decay That Reaches the Pulp

Shallow decay that extends to the outer part of the tooth, the enamel, and dentin, may only need a dental filling to treat. However, if the decay continues to extend through the dentin and reaches the pulp, it allows bacteria inside the tooth. This causes an infection that needs removal to prevent it from spreading elsewhere. Root canal therapy cleans the tooth of this infection.

Multiple Dental Procedures on a Tooth

Sometimes, the pulp can become stressed from dental work such as fillings or crowns. If this occurs and symptoms develop, root canal treatment may be recommended.

Crack in a Tooth

Cracks in teeth may not cause initial discomfort. However, the bacteria that reach into the tooth from the crack will eventually cause an infection. To prevent discomfort and infection, an endodontist will perform a root canal. Doing so can help you to avoid extraction.

Damaged Crown

A crown strengthens and protects the treated tooth. However, because the crown serves as a barrier between the outside and inside of the tooth, a damaged crown may indicate damage to the interior of the tooth. If you had bacteria get into the pulp after crown damage, you might need a root canal to fix the harm.

Signs that You May Need Root Canal Therapy

You may not know the specific reason that you need a root canal if you haven’t had a diagnosis from a dentist or endodontist. However, you will notice some signs of a problem with a tooth, such as any of the following:

• A pimple located on the gums
• Swelling on the gums in one area
• Discomfort when biting
• Heightened sensitivity to temperature
• Darkening of a single tooth
• Damaged crown
• Cracked or chipped tooth

Contact your local endodontist to see if your discomfort comes from needing a root canal. If it does, the doctor can schedule you for treatment to give you the relief you need.

Does a Root Canal Hurt?

Root canal therapy does not cause discomfort. Instead, this type of endodontic non-surgical procedure helps to relieve any discomfort. Because the endodontist removes the inflamed matter from inside the tooth, you will feel relief after a few days.

At Innovative Endodontics, we know the poor reputation that root canal therapy has. Therefore, we do everything possible to ensure that every patient feels comfortable from their first visit until they have completed their final follow-up exam. By working with each of our patient’s needs, we change the way that they think about root canal therapy.

Root canals save teeth and are painless. In fact, you will remain numb until a few hours following the procedure and will likely only have some minor pressure or sensitivity for the next week.

How to Prevent Needing a Root Canal

Even if root canal therapy is painless, most people want to avoid needing one. Do the following to protect yourself from needing endodontic treatment:

• Brush and floss your teeth two times a day.
• See a dentist twice a year for preventative cleanings and exams.
• Get cavities filled before the decay worsens.
• Wear protective mouthguards when playing sports to prevent traumatic injuries to your teeth.
• Maintain all follow-up appointments and good dental care whenever you have dental treatment to avoid needing extra procedures on the same tooth.

Taking good care of your teeth can prevent decay and injuries that require root canal therapy. Additionally, you need to keep up your good dental hygiene habits to protect teeth treated with dental or endodontic treatments from needing extra care. Finally, always follow your endodontist’s recommendations after you have a root canal to increase the chances that you’ll have results that last for life.

Visit Innovative Endodontics When You Need a Root Canal in Charleston

For our patients at Innovative Endodontics, getting root canal therapy today means a painless experience provided by a team of caring experts. If you need a root canal in the Charleston area, contact us at Innovative Endodontics. We have two locations in the area to serve you with innovative care that helps save our patients’ teeth.