“Will cavities require root canals?”
I know that I have a cavity in one of my top teeth. Do cavities require root canals, or no? Does it depend on the severity of the cavity?
8 Answers
No it depends on if the decay reaches the pulp or not.
The difference between a tooth that simply needs a filling and a tooth that needs a root canal is basically how long you allow the decay to be active before you fix it. A root canal is required when the decay approaches or enters into the pulp canal. If you wait to fix a tooth until it hurts then you are waiting too long and increase your chances of needing a root canal or even losing the tooth.
A tooth with a cavity does not necessarily always need a root canal. If the nerve inside of your tooth is still healthy, you should be able to have the cavity filled. However, if the nerve inside of your tooth is damaged to the point that is no longer able to return back to a healthy condition, you may need a root canal.
Visiting your dentist twice a year is necessary to make sure that if you have any gum problems or cavities, taking care of them, will restore your mouth health. Neglecting your dental problems causes more damage and increases the cost to restore your mouth. Cavities are not going to heal themselves and gum disease needs you to start taking a new approach to actively cleaning your mouth MORNING and NIGHT. THE LONGER YOU WAIT TO FIX A CAVITY, THE DEEPER IT GETS. IF YOU WAIT TOO LONG AND THE NERVE GETS INVOLVED, YOU MAY BE DECIDING ABOUT ROOT CANAL. ROOT CANAL IS NOT ALWAYS SUCCESSFUL. TAKING CARE OF PROBLEMS WHILE THEY ARE SMALL IS THE BEST ADVICE.
Depends how deep the tooth decay is. If it is deep enough to reach the pulp which contains tiny blood vessels and the nerve, then either root canal and crown or extraction is indicated. Otherwise just a filling is needed.
Not all cavities require getting a root canal. It all depends on the depth of the cavity and it’s closeness to the nerve which lies deep inside the tooth
The severity of cavity may determine the necessity for a root canal. Diagnostic tests and or symptoms can determined the need. Cavities do not solely cause necessity for root canals.
When tooth decay penetrates through the protective enamel shell of the tooth, it is then termed a cavity. The layer that supports the enamel is called dentin and even though it is nearly as hard as enamel for a variety of reasons it will decay eight times faster. When that decay penetrates to the core of the tooth the internal blood vessels become infected. Then it's a battle between the germs and your immune system. Typically, when a cavity is allowed to linger that long, a root canal will be necessary. Is there a reason why you want to delay care for this sick tooth? Is a root canal something that you desire to experience? I would recommend that you see a dentist immediately and care for this problem before it becomes more complicated and expensive.
Neal Nealis, DDS
Neal Nealis, DDS
