Is root canal treatment recommended for a decayed tooth?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 38-year-old female. I have a decayed tooth in the upper right back tooth region. It hurts a lot nowadays. I went to a dentist, and he prescribed painkillers. After taking it, I had some relief. My dentist also advised undergoing a root canal treatment. Is it correct to undergo root canal treatment for a decayed tooth? Why was this root canal treatment recommended? Kindly suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Our tooth has three layers: topmost enamel, middle layer dentin, and innermost pulp. When decay starts on the enamel, we do not experience any pain or symptoms other than a visible black spot or region in some cases. When the decay progresses to the middle layer, it causes symptoms of hot or cold sensitivity. If left undiagnosed, it then goes to the innermost pulp layer, which consists of the nerve. The treatment here depends on the depth of the decay. Enamel and dentin decay require a simple superficial filling, whereas deep dentin and pulpal decay require root canal treatment.

From your symptoms of pain, we can say that your tooth nerve is infected, and hence a root canal treatment was advised by your dentist. Root canal treatment (RCT) involves removing the decayed enamel, dentin, and infected and inflamed pulp from the root canals, followed by filling those spaces with biocompatible and inert fillings. For a decayed tooth with pain, RCT is the only recommended solution that helps us save the tooth. If not RCT, removing the decayed tooth is an option. I recommend getting this tooth treated soon, as painkillers offer only temporary relief from pain and cannot stop or treat the decay and the infection.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.