A member asked:

My dentist said i need to have root canal done. why would this be needed?

3 doctors weighed in across 3 answers

Several reasons: A root canal treatment is the removal of an infected nerve from within the tooth, sterilizing the inside surface, then sealing with a material called gutta percha. And depending on the amount of tooth structure remaining, you may then need a crown. So you either have deep decay or fracture of the tooth into the nerve space, or you have pain or an abscess (swelling evident on x-ray or visually).

Answered 12/9/2013

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Dr. Louis Sterling answered

Specializes in Prosthodontics

Depends: Root canal treatment is needed when the pulp of your tooth is somehow injured or has become non vital. This can be due to a large cavity, trauma to the tooth that caused the blood supply to the pulp to become interrupted, or a periodontal infection that was so deep that the bacteria "backed up" into the bottom of the tooth, infecting the pulp.

Answered 3/24/2013

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Dr. Mark Venincasa answered

Specializes in Dentistry - Cosmetic

Ask your dentist...: There are different reasons. I would simply ask your dentist why. It seems your dentist would have explained this before. Please discuss this with your dentist.

Answered 4/8/2013

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