When sugar is left behind on your teeth after a meal, it can attract bacteria that eats away at your dental tissue. If the infection reaches the inner pulp section of the tooth, a root canal may be necessary. This is a procedure in which a dentist removes the infected tissue, then fills the cavity to prevent further damage. If you suffer from a constant, noticeably painful toothache, schedule an appointment immediately. Letting the infection spread could result in the need for a full tooth extraction.

What Is a Root Canal?

A cavity is merely the first stage of dental decay. If it’s not filled in time, the bacteria starts to kill off the nerve sections of the tooth. A tooth will “die” without proper treatment. On top of that, the infected tissue could allow bacteria to travel to the gums, resulting in periodontal disease.

When treating a cavity, a dentist merely cleans and fills the hole caused by dental decay, so that no more bacteria can enter and cause additional decay. During a root canal procedure, the infected pulp sections must be removed.

What Should You Remember?

Despite what you may believe, this procedure doesn’t typically involve substantial discomfort. Advances in dental health techniques and technology have made it easy to remove infected dental tissue without causing a patient to experience pain. On the other hand, allowing the infection to spread will result in pain.

The longer you wait to have the procedure, the greater the odds the infection will kill the tooth and infect your gums. You could lose a tooth if you wait too long to seek dental care. You can avoid this by scheduling regular cleanings every six months. With help from a professional, you’ll stop bacteria before the infection reaches the nerves of your teeth.

If you need a root canal, get in touch with Zen Dental Hawaii in Honolulu. They take every step needed to keep you comfortable during the procedure. Along with general dentistry services, they also offer cosmetic treatments, ensuring your teeth look and feel their best. Contact them online for more information or call (808) 532-5888.