ANSWER: An untreated cavity is a common cause of tooth infection. As the cavity erodes the enamel, it works its way into the nerve center of the tooth. Once the nerve becomes infected, a root canal treatment is the only way to remove the infected nerve and save the tooth.
Infections inside the teeth do not respond to antibiotic treatment! Nerve inflammation caused by the infection restricts the tooth’s blood supply, so antibiotics can’t easily reach the infected area. When ignored, the infection spreads to the surrounding jawbone and can then travel to other parts of the body. This can overtax your immune system and can be potentially life-threating. Routine 6-month exams can help prevent dental infections from happening in the first place!