When Is Root Canal Treatment Necessary?

Despite its reputation, root canal therapy saves your natural teeth by removing any infected pulp while preserving the outer structure. Modern techniques make it as comfortable as a filling, helping patients avoid costly tooth replacements. Most importantly, it provides immediate relief from severe tooth pain.

Advanced root canal therapy

Have you heard the rumors of  root canal treatment being complicated and painful? Don't believe everything you hear. The reality is that modern root canal therapy is a routine, simple procedure that’s often pain-free. In fact, root canals don't cause pain — they eliminate it, along with severe tooth infections, and help save teeth from being extracted unnecessarily.

As for those who warn about the pain and difficulty of root canals, did they mention root canals in Flanders can now be done without drills, vibrations, or discomfort? Thanks to advanced laser technology, root canal therapy can be performed painlessly, making the process easier and more comfortable than ever.

What happens during root canal therapy?

Our root canal dentist in Flanders carefully and painlessly accesses your tooth, removes the infected pulp, cleans out any infection-related material from the inside, and seals the tooth with a material called gutta-percha. With prompt treatment, proper aftercare, and good oral hygiene, your tooth can be saved and fully restored, either with a permanent filling or a crown. The goal of root canal therapy in Flanders is straightforward: to eliminate the infection, relieve symptoms, and preserve your tooth, preventing the need for extraction.

Why would anyone choose to get root canal therapy? 

There are several signs that may indicate the need for a root canal, especially if you're experiencing severe tooth pain or discomfort.

If toothaches are affecting your sleep

A sharp, throbbing pain that keeps you awake at night could be a sign of an infected pulp inside your tooth. This type of pain is more intense than a typical, fleeting toothache and often requires root canal treatment to resolve the infection.

If your tooth becomes discolored

A significant infection in the tooth’s pulp can cause it to darken or lose its natural color. If one of your teeth has darkened in comparison to the others, a root canal may be necessary to treat the infection.

If you have constant bad breath

Chronic bad breath (halitosis) that doesn’t improve with regular brushing, flossing, or lifestyle changes like avoiding smoking or alcohol could be caused by infected pulp in your tooth.

If your teeth are persistently susceptible

While some sensitivity to heat or cold is normal, an infected tooth pulp can increase sensitivity, making your teeth more reactive to temperatures or even sweetness.

If your lymph nodes are swollen

Your body's lymph nodes contain immune cells that help to respond to infection by attacking germs carried into the lymph nodes by lymph fluid. Severe infections in your teeth can cause adjacent lymph nodes to become swollen. 

If your gums are red and swollen

Red, swollen gums could point to pulpitis (an inflamed pulp) and may indicate the need for a root canal. Even if it's not a root canal infection, it could signal severe gum disease that needs attention.

At our dental office in Flanders, we understand that many people hesitate to seek root canal therapy. We share that concern. However, we also recognize the risks of leaving a tooth infection untreated. Root canal therapy in Flanders can save your tooth and prevent the need for extraction, protecting both your teeth and gums. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, don't wait — contact your local dental office, Rand Center for Dentistry, for an evaluation and timely care.