The visible portion of a tooth is only part of its overall structure. Teeth have roots that extend below your gums and into your jaw. Tooth roots are an important component of your teeth, which keep your teeth in place. Unfortunately, a tooth that becomes decayed may eventually experience infection or inflammation in its roots. Root canal treatment then becomes necessary. Here are four of the things that patients should know when their dentists recommend root canal treatment:

1. Root canal treatment can save a tooth

Root canal treatment can help you retain your tooth, even if it is severely decayed. During the procedure, your dentist will use a drill to create a hole in your tooth. They will then clean out your root canals, removing infected or damaged tooth nerves and roots in the process. Once your root canals have been cleaned, your dentist will fill them with a substance similar to rubber cement. Root canal treatment can treat tooth pain resulting from decay and infections. It can also be used preemptively to treat teeth that are at risk of infection due to damage.

2. Root canal treatment is no more difficult than having a cavity filled

Root canal treatment sometimes gets a bad rap, but it is no more difficult or painful than having a cavity filled. Most root canal treatments can be finished in an hour. Your dentist will thoroughly numb your tooth and the surrounding tissue before starting the treatment.

3. Root canal treatment should not be put off for long

Root canal treatment is necessary if the root of your tooth becomes infected. Once a tooth root starts to decay, it will not recover. You may want to put off root canal treatment, especially if you're not currently experiencing pain, but it's best not to wait. Tooth infections can occur suddenly, and they're often very painful. They can even have fatal consequences if the infection travels into your brain.

4. Root canal treatment requires a dental crown

After having a root canal, you will require a dental crown. Dental crowns are used to protect teeth that are no longer able to support themselves. A dental crown will stabilize your tooth after your root canal treatment, which can help you avoid unnecessary tooth extraction. During your root canal procedure, your dentist will shape your tooth for its crown and cap it with a temporary dental crown.

For more information, contact a root canal provider in your area, such as Cottonwood Dental.