Root canal treatment or endodontic treatment, may be a solution for you if you are looking to save a tooth where the pulp has been compromised due to carious lesion (tooth decay), an infection, or another oral issue such as dental trauma.
The pulp is located within the centre of your tooth and within the centre of each root of a tooth. It is the soft area which contains:
- Blood vessels
- Connective tissue
- Nerves
These key components help the root of your tooth to grow and flourish during its development. Therefore, if the pulp is damaged or becomes infected mainly with bacteria, an infection may spread beyond the confines of the root.
The aim of root canal treatment is to remove the damaged pulp tissue and reduce bacterial presence inside the canals so that your tooth does not have to be removed. It helps to restore your tooth so that it can function naturally again.
What happens if I leave an infected root canal untreated?
If you leave a root canal untreated you may risk your whole tooth being extracted or be exposed to other issues that may affect your oral health such as:
- Chipped tooth
- Worsening of carious lesion (tooth decay)
- Enhanced pain from your tooth
- Risk of an abscess forming
- Tooth sensitivity
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult with your dentist immediately or at your next appointment. Your dentist will be able to advise the best course of action to take to treat your condition.
