Cavities occur when the enamel of your teeth wears away due to plaque and bacteria. With routine dental cleanings, your dentist will be able to detect early formations of cavities and either fix them or give patients instructions on how to prevent the “soft spot” from turning into a cavity in the future. Without routine dental cleanings or proper dental hygiene, cavities can proliferate and reach a point that your dentist will need to perform endodontic therapy.
Endodontic therapy, also known as a root canal, is performed when the inside of the tooth — called the pulp — is infected due to tooth decay. If you suspect you have a cavity, there are a few signs you should look for that may result in your dentist needing to perform a root canal.
Keep in mind that every patient’s symptoms are different, which is why we highly recommend contacting our professional Chicago area dentists for a thorough assessment. Some individuals may not experience any symptoms and in this instance only a dentist with a trained eye can spot the signs of needing a root canal. If you suspect you have a cavity, please schedule an appointment with our Chicago area dental office.