If your dentist has told you that you need a root canal, you might be a little nervous. However, there is no reason to be concerned. Root canals are incredibly helpful procedures that can prevent or treat several dangerous health conditions.

What is a root canal?

As you probably know, a root canal is the removal of infected pulp within the tooth. The infected material is removed from the tooth, and then you will probably need to get a crown. The crown fills in the missing part of your tooth so that more bacteria doesn't get inside to cause infections.

Why might you need a root canal?

If you have a cavity that has been left untreated for a long period of time, it can spread to other parts of your tooth. Specifically, the infection can spread into the nerve, which is the deepest and best-protected part of the tooth. Due to the heightened sensitivity of these nerves relative to the surrounding tissue, the pain of the infection is exponentially greater if it reaches the nerve.

If your tooth is in excruciating pain, then you will need to see a dentist. It's probable that your tooth pain can be traced back to damage to the nerve inside of the tooth. A root canal will alleviate that damage without being a painful experience.

But aren't root canals extremely painful?

A common misconception is that root canals are quite painful. The reality of the situation is that the nerve damage is causing the pain and that the pain will be greatly diminished after the infected pulp and nerve tissue has been excised. You might feel sore after the procedure, but it will be minuscule compared to the pain of an infected nerve.

Are there any other options for dealing with infected pulp? Can the damage be reversed?

Unfortunately, there is presently no easy way to reverse the damage of infected pulp. Your only choices are to remove the tooth or to have a root canal to remove the infected part of your tooth to prevent a further spread of the infection.

Assuming that you don't get a root canal in a timely fashion, the infection could spread even further in your mouth. Your gums or other teeth might be infected, which could result in irreversible damage. In the worst case scenario, you might even end up with your teeth falling out and piercing, chronic pain.