Root Canal Therapy: How Do You Know You Need It?

Trying to figure out if you need root canal therapy can be a challenging thing, especially during the early stages. More so, you can have a hard time trying to figure out the best course of action if either better oral hygiene can resolve the problem or you need professional care.

You might not get to see the physical symptoms on time, and that’s why visiting your dentist often is an excellent habit to cultivate. If these issues do not get resolved, then you will have an infected tooth, which would mean that a root canal is what you need.

Quick Facts About Root Canals

A root canal is not painful as most people would think. Neither is it a complicated procedure. The goal of root canals is to preserve an infected tooth by cleaning out decay. Usually, after the process, your tooth will be covered with a crown.

Expect the following when you are at our dentist’s office:

• The decay and bacteria will be extracted from the root, pulp, and nerve.
• The area will be disinfected with antibiotics.
• The empty roots will be filled.
• The area will be sealed to prevent new decay.

Signs That You Need Root Canal

1. Tooth Sensitivity

Do you experience sharp pain when you take hot or cold drinks or even foods? It usually starts as a dull ache. Then if left untreated, the pain becomes intense and sharp. You might need a root canal if you notice that the pain lingers even when you do not consume hot or cold foods.

You will need to consult with our dentist since tooth sensitivity can also be a sign of gingivitis. The earlier the better to reduce the risk of having an infection spread further. The sensitivity can be an indication that your blood vessels or nerves have been damaged.

2. Persistent Pain

Pain is one of the most common signs that you need a root canal. Typically pain is a sign that something is not right with the root. If the pain is persistent and disrupts daily activities, which include eating and drinking, then you should come in for a checkup.

Our dentist will ascertain whether there is inflammation of the blood vessels or the nerves. Antibiotics do not really do the trick; a root canal is an ultimate solution.

3. Discoloration of the Teeth

Do you have a tooth that is turning darker than the others? You might pass it on as stains caused by poor oral hygiene or foods that are known to stain the enamel. Mostly, it is an indication that a nerve could be damaged.

A root canal will be able to spot if a nerve or blood vessel is damaged, then the damaged root will be removed. This will prevent further discoloration of the tooth.

4. Swollen Gums

Swollen gums can be a sign that you have gingivitis. But it is also a sign that there is another problem beneath the tooth’s surface. Since it might not be clear whether the swelling is because of gingivitis or something else, it is best if it is checked.

Our dentist will check for possible inflammation and will let you know which procedure will suit you.

5. Chipped or Cracked Tooth

A cracked or chipped tooth, most of the time, will need a root canal treatment. You might have cracked or chipped your tooth during sports or eating hard foods, which exposes the nerves beneath. You can get an infection that can get into your bloodstream and cause more problems.

Do not take chipped or cracked teeth lightly. An infection, when left untreated, can only need a root canal to treat it.

6. Deep Decay

Tooth decay is a gradual process, and even good oral hygiene practices like brushing or flossing can never help if the decay is at the base of the tooth. Take cavities seriously lest the infection spreads to the root and nerves. If it gets this far, then root canal therapy is the only way to go.

This is why you need to visit our dentist very often to help prevent permanent damage to your teeth.

7. Loose Teeth

Immediately your tooth gets infected; it might become loose. This is because an infection can damage your bone, leading to the loosening of your teeth.

An infection in your root can cause discomfort and pain. See our dentist at Webber Dental to get a diagnosis and treatment.