You have just been told you need a root canal to save your tooth. While there may be a very harmful dogma surrounding root canals, the truth is there is nothing to worry about. A root canal is about as painful as a routine filling, thanks to localized anesthetics used during the procedure. While this is the reality, some will not get the treatment they need because they fear this routine procedure. Those in the Burlington, Ontario area who need a root canal can visit Dr. Sam Gupta and the team at Mount Royal Dental. If you are on the fence about getting a root canal, let us look at what happens when you choose not to.
You will require a root canal if a tooth’s pulp becomes infected. When you get a root canal, this inner pulp (which consists of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues) has to be removed. If a tooth’s pulp becomes infected and you choose not to get a root canal, there can be several negative ramifications. So, what happens during a root canal? When you go in for a root canal, an opening will be made in the tooth, exposing the infected inner material. This material is then removed, and the tooth’s inner chamber is completely disinfected. Once completed, the tooth is sealed and capped with a dental crown. A dental crown is necessary because the tooth is significantly weakened due to being (essentially) hollowed out. The dental crown protects the tooth and provides complete functionality for daily tasks such as chewing.
To put it bluntly, no. When a tooth’s pulp becomes infected, it will not heal itself. A root canal will be required. Even if the pain goes away, this is likely because the nerves in the tooth have died. This does not mean the infection is gone; it just means you cannot feel it anymore, and the infection can eventually spread from the tooth to the jaw, into your bloodstream, and out to the rest of your body. As a result of this, there will be severe health complications.
If you are ready to get a root canal or have questions about the procedure, please reach out to Dr. Sam Gupta at Mount Royal Dental today by calling (905) 581-9912.