Years ago, root canals were a procedure that caused many people to gasp and cringe. A root canal?! Oh no! Today? Not so much. Root canals are incredibly common procedures that are performed over and over every day. In fact, they are about as routine as filling a cavity.
Root canal treatment is required if a tooth is full of decay and infection, but a highly skilled dentist can step in to heal the infection and save the tooth.
Root Canal Treatment: What is It?
Cavities are tooth decay that has made its way into a tooth. However, the decay hasn’t made its way very deep just yet. If left alone and not addressed by a dentist, this decay can continue eating through the tooth until it grows and spreads through the outer layer of enamel, then the dentin, and finally reaches the pulp.
The pulp is found at the jaw bone and is surrounded by nerves, blood vessels, and tissue. As the decay and infection begin taking over this sensitive area, things can start to get very painful.
For those who didn’t react to a cavity, the pain of this infection almost always has the patient calling the dentist in hope of relief. This is where a root canal comes in. During this treatment, the decay and infection are cleared out, allowing the tooth to be sealed up.
Have These Symptoms? Root Canal Treatment May Be Necessary
The way that everyone reacts to deep tooth decay will vary - especially since some people can tolerate pain more than others. However, the following symptoms or signs can signal that root canal treatment may be needed.
Pain. Pain when a root canal is needed can sometimes make the entire side of your face hurt. You may or may not be able to figure out which tooth is actually hurting. For some, the pain comes and goes. For others, it is chronic toothache. Relief for this pain is difficult to find.
Swollen Gums. As the tooth decay eats its way through your tooth, it is going to impact the gums, as well. The infection here presents itself as swollen, sore, tender gums all around the tooth. Sometimes a small, pimple-like bump will appear at the gumline of the infected tooth.
Temperature Sensitivity. Temperatures will impact the sensitive tooth. Cold and hot food or beverages can cause instant and often excruciating pain in the infected tooth. Again, though, it may be tough to determine the tooth in question. When it comes to sensitivity, this pain is often momentary.
Tooth Discoloration. An infected, decaying tooth will lose its zesty white color and begin to darken. It could be a part of the tooth or the tooth as a whole. This color change is not normal unless a tooth is in trouble. So if you notice it, contact your dentist right away.
If you have any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible in an effort to save your tooth.
Root Canal Treatment at Eagle Endodontics
If you have been told you need a root canal - or you are experiencing any of these symptoms - you need to be seen by a dental professional as soon as possible. At Eagle Endodontics, we specialize in root canals and can help heal your tooth from the inside out..
Our expert team is waiting to give you a comfortable dental experience that will relieve your pain and send you home feeling good and confident that you made the right choice with Eagle Endodontics.
We have two locations for your convenience:
Call us today to make an appointment - or schedule one online!