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Tooth decay is a progressive disease that, without treatment, will continue to worsen. If it is detected by your dentist in its earliest stage, tooth decay can be treated and even reversed. Once the decay has broken through the enamel of your tooth and caused a cavity, a filling can clear out the decay, disinfect the tooth, and restore it. However, if the cavity is left untreated, the decay can progress deeper inside the tooth. Root canal treatment becomes necessary at this stage to stop decay and infection. Avoiding treatment often means risking that the tooth infection entering the bloodstream to cause problems for your overall health. Root canal treatment can be the last chance to rescue a tooth from a necessary  extraction.

Why Is It Necessary?

An inflamed and/or infected tooth often causes a painful toothache, and root canal treatment can relieve the pain. Pain can become worse as the infection continues to progress. An abscess can be formed deep within your tooth, if the infection becomes severe. Root canal treatment can clear out the bacteria and pus in the canals of your tooth. Clearing out the infection can give the tooth a chance for restoration before an extraction becomes necessary.

What Is Root Canal Treatment?

Your dentist will first numb the area surrounding the infected tooth with local anesthesia before creating a small entry to allow access the inside of the tooth. The inner tissue, pulp, and canals will be completely disinfected with an antiseptic solution. Any damaged tooth material or diseased pulp will be removed. Once the tooth is completely cleaned, the inner canals may be filled and restored. A crown may be needed to cap the tooth to protect it from future damage and restore its appearance and abilities to bite and chew.

Root canal treatment can save a tooth from extensive decay

Root canal treatment can stop infection and decay. If you would like to schedule a consultation, call Mansfield Dental Associates in Mansfield, TX, at 817-473-6227. We proudly welcome patients from Mansfield, TX and the surrounding areas, including South Arlington, Kennedale, Southeast Ft. Worth, Alvarado, Midlothian, and more.