Suffering With A Bad Toothache? Here's What To Know If You Need A Root Canal Done Not all toothaches can be treated with a simple filling. A filling is indicated when your tooth is decayed to the point your nerve is exposed. Getting rid of the decay and sealing the tooth with a filling is usually all that's needed for small cavities. However, when you have an infection in your tooth that spreads into the pulp or root, then your dentist will probably have to do a root canal to save the tooth. Here's what you need to know about having a root canal. Why A Root Canal Is Necessary If the pulp of your tooth is infected, your dentist will remove the diseased tissue by drilling a hole in your tooth and scraping it out. The pulp of your tooth is right under the enamel. The roots of your tooth travel down two canals that also contain the nerves. The roots attach to your jawbone, and if your infection is bad enough, it can spread from the pulp in your tooth to the bone, gums, and other teeth. That's why your dentist recommends removing the infection, even if you also take antibiotics. It's important to …show more content…
The tooth is scraped and flushed to get rid of the decay. Your dentist may also insert an antibiotic plug into the tunnel to fight the infection. The tunnel may be sealed the same day, or your dentist may put a temporary cap on it and have you return to complete the procedure at a later date. This way the dentist can check on the progress of the infection to make sure it is cleared up before sealing the tooth. Even though root canals have a bad reputation for being painful, you'll receive an anesthetic, so you shouldn't feel much pain during the actual procedure. The toothache leading up to the dental work is the most painful thing to endure. Once you've had the procedure and have a filling or crown put on top of your tooth, you should be free from any additional