One of the best ways to ensure good oral health is daily brushing and flossing. This habit not only helps your teeth remain attractive when you smile but also keeps them strong and functioning so you can enjoy all your favorite foods. Yet, when sudden pain develops or teeth become sensitive, you may be left wondering what could possibly be wrong.
Symptoms such as these can result from different things, but if severe and persistent, you might need a root canal treatment. While this can create anxiety or concern, it may help to understand more about what a root canal treatment is and when it is needed.
What is Root Canal Treatment Exactly?
A root canal treatment is a specific procedure to address an infected tooth and involves a thorough clearing out of the inflamed inner pulp. It is essential to prevent the spread of infection into the nearby teeth, gums, jaw, and also into the bloodstream.
Your dentist will numb the area of the tooth first, or, if you choose, you can undergo sedation during the procedure. After creating a small incision in the top part of your tooth to gain access to the pulp, your dentist will gently remove the infected tissue inside.
Once cleaned, a resin material is used to fill the inner tooth to help keep the tooth structure intact. The last step then is to seal the small hole made to reach the tooth’s root.
At some point following the treatment, you most likely will need a dental crown or other restoration fitted over your natural tooth for stronger protection.
While root canal treatments fall under the specialty known as endodontics, many dentists today offer them right in their office, making it more convenient for patients.
Signs a Root Canal Treatment May Be Needed
Confusion often surrounds knowing whether or not a root canal treatment is needed. If you are concerned, look for the following signs and discuss them with your dentist.Sharp, Severe Persistent Pain
If you have severe pain in a tooth that doesn’t go away, it’s a sign that something is seriously wrong. It may be a throbbing pain or only worsen as pressure is applied, such as when you bite down on that tooth or lay on that side of your face. The pain can be persistent or come and go at times. It may also radiate outwards to your other teeth, jaw, or face.Tooth Sensitivity
Your tooth becomes increasingly sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, such as when sipping coffee or eating ice cream. This sensitivity may feel like a sharp, sudden pain or a dull ache and is often a sign that the nerves and blood vessels in a tooth are damaged or infected.Cracks or Chips in Tooth
Cracks or chips can form in teeth as a result of some type of trauma, often occurring during contact sports, falls, and when chewing ice or biting into nuts or hard candies. They can also occur due to unattended decay or infection inside the tooth.Tooth Appears Discolored (Grayish black appearance)
Discoloration or darkening of the tooth can indicate an infection in the pulp. As the pulp dies inside the tooth, the blood supply reaching it is inadequate. Such damage to the roots can make the tooth appear grayish-black as a result.Swollen, Tender, or Discolored Gums
Changes to your gums surrounding a tooth can also indicate that you have an infected tooth. If they are swollen, feel tender, and become slightly painful to your touch, it may be a sign that a root canal is indeed necessary. A darkening color to the gums can also indicate that the tooth is dying, and the gums may decay as well.Fistula or Abscess
When bumps, called fistulas, develop on the gums, it can also be a sign that the tooth is infected and needs a root canal. Another sign is an abscess forming, usually at the base of the tooth or hidden from view and only detectable by X-ray.
When Is a Root Canal Treatment Needed?
Certain circumstances can confirm that a root canal is needed. These include:
- A tooth has undergone several dental procedures already, such as fillings or crown replacements, deteriorating the structure of the tooth itself and exposing the inner pulp.
- A cavity or tooth decay reaches deep within the tooth, breaking into its pulp and allowing harmful bacteria to enter. If not treated, it can destroy the remaining tooth, and the infection itself can enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body.
- Severe trauma occurs to the tooth and results in nerve tissue damage.
- You sustain a tooth injury that causes major chips, cracks, and breaks of the tooth’s structure.
- There are unseen injuries to the tooth’s interior, found during an X-ray by your dentist.
Contact Pike & Valega, DDS Today for All Your Dental Needs
Concern about a dental issue or particular tooth can create anxiety and even apprehension when it comes to seeking treatment. The compassionate team at Pike & Valega, DDS understands this and is here to help you through the process, whether it requires a root canal treatment or other beneficial procedure. Contact our office today and make an appointment to find out more or to help solve any of your dental needs.
