Is It Worth Treating a Root Canal?

If you've been told you need a root canal, you might be wondering if it's worth it. In the vast majority of cases, the answer is often considered yes — treating a tooth with a root canal (when appropriately recommended) can relieve pain, prevent serious complications, and keep your smile healthy for years to come.

At Memphis Endodontics, our team of endodontic specialists serves patients near Memphis, TN, Kirby, TN, Collierville, TN, and Bartlett, TN with compassionate, advanced care — often with same-day access for urgent needs. Keep reading to learn more about when a root canal is needed and why it's widely considered to be more than a worthwhile investment in your long-term oral health, comfort, and function.

When is a root canal needed?

Generally speaking, root canal therapy becomes necessary when the pulp inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This can happen due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, cracked teeth, chips, or dental trauma. Some of the most common signs you need a root canal may include:

• Severe tooth pain when chewing or applying pressure
• Prolonged tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
• Darkening or discoloration of the tooth
• Swelling or tenderness in nearby gums

If left untreated, the infection can spread, leading to an abscess or even affecting other areas of your body.

Do you have to get a root canal?

If your endodontist has recommended a root canal, it's likely the only way to save the tooth. Without treatment, the infection will continue to worsen, often leading to the need for tooth extraction. Preserving your natural tooth is almost always preferred over removal, as it maintains your bite alignment, prevents shifting of surrounding teeth, and avoids the need for more complex procedures like dental implants or bridges.

Are there any alternatives to getting a root canal?

From a general standpoint, one of the only true alternatives to a root canal is extracting the tooth. Again, however, there are a number of downsides to tooth extraction, like those mentioned above. Because root canal treatment is designed to get rid of infection while preserving the tooth's structure, it is often the least invasive and most cost-effective choice long-term, while also being the ideal choice for avoiding unwanted dental issues, like bite problems and others.

What's the risk of delaying a root canal?

Postponing a root canal can allow the infection to spread beyond the tooth root, leading to a tooth abscess, a painful pocket of pus that can damage surrounding bone and tissues. In severe cases, untreated dental infections can enter the bloodstream, leading to serious systemic health problems. Delaying root canal treatment may also limit your options for saving the tooth, potentially resulting in the need for extraction and more extensive restorative work.

If you have questions about whether now is the right time for a root canal, or if you have been putting off a root canal and are starting to experience worsening pain and other disruptive symptoms, don't hesitate to call our team as soon as possible. With convenient, often same-day dental care in Memphis, TN, available, we are here to help restore the comfort, health, and wellness you deserve.

Don't neglect your dental pain. Schedule a consultation and dental exam for root canal treatment in East Memphis, TN

If you're experiencing tooth pain or have been advised to get a root canal, Memphis Endodontics is here to help. Our team of endodontic specialists offers convenient scheduling, including same-day access in many cases, so you can get the care you need quickly. Contact us today to learn more about your options for root canal treatment in Kirby, Vollierville, East Memphis, or Bartlett, TN, and take the first step toward feeling more like yourself again sooner.