If you have a pain in one of your teeth, then you may be concerned about whether or not you have a dental infection. Dental infections are painful and serious ailments that need to be addressed by professional dentists. This means that you will need to have a root canal completed. If you are stressing about this, then you may want to know if a root canal is necessary. Keep reading to learn the answer to this question and also how you can prepare for the treatment.

Is A Root Canal Necessary?

If you have an infection inside your tooth, then a root canal is absolutely necessary. The internal dental pulp will break down completely once an infection begins. This happens because the pulp chamber is a sealed space. Once bacteria get into the chamber, the microorganisms will start to infect the pulp. While blood cells can be sent through the small capillaries to fight the bacteria and antibiotics can also work to fight off the infection. However, dead tissues, hearty bacteria, and pus become trapped in the chamber and have nowhere to go. The healthy tissues are then affected and degrade. 

The total death and breakdown of the tooth pulp is inevitable and once tissue damage and infections spread, they infect the dental root. Sharp pains and inflammation are the result. If the infection continues without treatment, the bacteria can work down through the openings in the dental roots and into the bone. If you have an abscess in addition to the internal tooth infection, then the bacteria have already spread outside the tooth and into the gum tissues. Immediate treatment is necessary to keep more serious troubles from developing. 

How Can You Prepare For The Treatment?

Now that you know that you require a root canal, then you may want to prepare for the treatment. Very little treatment is necessary, especially since root canals are relatively quick and mildly invasive. However, you may need to take some antibiotics beforehand. If the tissues around the tooth are infected, then injected lidocaine will not numb the tooth properly. Resolving the tissue infection with medication will reduce your discomfort.

You also may need to stop taking NSAID pain relievers, aspirin, blood thinners, and other medication that can increase your bleeding risks. Purchase some soft foods as well. The tooth itself will not be too sore after the root canal, but a temporary filling may be fit into the top of the tooth. This is necessary if the tooth is being medicated or if it needs a dental crown. 

Contact a business like All About Smiles to learn more.