3 Signs You Need A Root Canal
One of the most common and well known dental procedures is the root canal. Root canal therapy treats a tooth that is severely decayed, damaged, or infected. In many cases a root canal can save a tooth, as long as it is done in the appropriate time frame. Putting off a necessary root canal could result in loss of the tooth.
How do you know if you need a root canal? Here are the top 3 signs to look for.
- Tooth Pain.
If you have pain in a specific place in your mouth, it could mean you have an infected tooth. A tooth can become infected if bacteria enters the root canal and infects the dental pulp, the soft tissue at the center of the tooth. Dental pulp is made up of blood vessels and nerves that help a tooth develop and provide the blood supply to sustain the life of the tooth. When this tissue is infected, it can cause pain that ranges from mild to severe. An infected tooth will need a root canal.
- Discolored Tooth.
A tooth that is infected or has sustained damage to the dental pulp can develop a gray or brown color that stems from the center of the tooth. This may indicate internal bleeding in the tooth or dental pulp that is already dead due to lack of blood supply. If you have a tooth that looks different in color than your other teeth, it may be in need of a root canal. In some cases a root canal may be able to save a discolored tooth if it is not too late.
- Extreme Sensitivity.
Localized sensitivity in a certain area of your mouth may indicate that a tooth is in need of a root canal. Sometimes mild, moderate, or even severe sensitivity is caused by a cavity or a crack in a tooth. Cold, heat, or sugar can reach the nerves through one of these avenues, resulting in a quick jolt of nerve sensation that may feel like pain to some. If the sensitivity resonates without subsiding, it is even more likely that the tooth is in need of a root canal.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is the term used to refer to the procedure that is performed on the root canal of a tooth. The root canal is the inner chamber of a tooth that contains the dental pulp. During root canal therapy the dental pulp is removed from the tooth. The root canal is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to remove all of the pulp and infected tissue. The tooth is then filled with a replacement material that fortifies the tooth and prevents further infection.
Is a Root Canal Worth It?
Many patients ask if it is better to get a root canal or to have the tooth pulled. We always recommend saving the tooth with a root canal if at all possible. By performing a root canal, the tooth is able to stay in place in your mouth with the natural root in the socket. The tooth will most likely need a crown to protect the remaining enamel and root. Having the tooth extracted either leads to an empty space in your mouth or a more costly replacement. Leaving an empty space can allow your other teeth to shift out of place and the jaw bone to weaken and dissolve in that area.
Why Choose Family and Implant Dentistry?
At Family and Implant Dentistry we use the latest technology in root canal therapy to make the procedure comfortable and effective. We make it our goal to save your teeth whenever possible, and root canal therapy can allow an infected or at-risk tooth to last a lifetime.
Call 402-486-0825 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.