When is a root canal needed over just a normal filling?

what is the deciding factor in the need for a root canal over a filling. I think I need a root canal. My tooth is hurting me very badly. It is a molar and the side of it is already black from decay. I havn't been to the dentist in over 3 yrs. I know tisk tisk. But I HATE the dentist with a passion b/c I've had a lot of bad experiences. I have never had to have a root canal though. I'm just wondering how bad the cavity has to get for a root canal. Why couldn't they just fill it? Or remove the decayed part and put a crown on it or something? Maybe I should just have it pulled? idk... what do you think?





btw, the rest of my teeth are in very good condition. I brush and floss every day twice a day and take very good care of my teeth. They are very white and pretty. I just don't like the dentist!

When is a root canal needed over just a normal filling?
Once upon a time, if you had a tooth with a diseased nerve, you'd probably lose that tooth. Today, with a special dental procedure called a root canal therapy you may save that tooth. Inside each tooth is the pulp which provides nutrients and nerves to the tooth, it runs like a thread down through the root. When the pulp is diseased or injured, the pulp tissue dies. If you don't remove it, your tooth gets infected and you could lose it. After the dentist removes the pulp, the root canal is cleaned and sealed off to protect it. Then your dentist places a crown over the tooth to help make it stronger.





Most of the time, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure with little or no discomfort involving one to three visits. Best of all, it can save your tooth and your smile!





http://www.ada.org/public/topics/root_ca...
Reply:a root canal is done when the whole tooth is involved, including damage of some kind to the root or the blood supply to your tooth. Usually a dentist will try to save the tooth as it's better to have your own tooth for several reasons.





Your option to a root canal would be an extraction and depending on your age and which molar it is, you might consider that after consulting with a dentist
Reply:When the cavity has reached the nerve or root and or when the tooth is infected. Normaly caused by an absis in the tooth.





http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Root_canal
Reply:You probably need a root canal. When the decay enters the root pulp, a filling is not an effective treatment. The pulp has to be removed in a root canal procedure.