Tired of Loose Dentures? Implants Can Help!
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4 Telltale Signs That You Need a Root Canal
Few dental procedures muster as much dread as a root canal. This treatment has a bad reputation despite the fact that the process is relatively painless, and it saves you from losing a tooth.
In many cases, it even puts a stop to your discomfort immediately. That’s because a root canal treats the inflammation and infection affecting the root of your tooth.
At A Caring Dental Group, Dr. Benedict Kim and his team perform root canal therapy to ease your symptoms and prevent the need for tooth extraction. While there are telltale signs you need this treatment, getting a dental exam is the only way to know for sure. Here’s when to schedule an appointment.
Root canal basics
Root canals treat decay or infection within a tooth by removing the pulp. A tooth’s inner pulp lies beneath its enamel and dentin layers. This soft tissue has delicate blood vessels, nerves, and other connective tissue that supports tooth development.
Fortunately, adult teeth can function without the pulp because they continue receiving nourishment from the surrounding tissue.
A root canal involves removing the pulp and eliminating any decay from inside the tooth. Once it’s clean, Dr. Kim fills the tooth cavity with dental material and seals it to protect it from bacteria. This dental material also stops tooth decay from progressing.
Signs that you might need a root canal
The good news is that Dr. Kim and his team can treat some decay and dental damage without performing a root canal — sometimes, other dental procedures and fillings are all it takes.
However, when inflammation or infection becomes more significant, you need a root canal to protect your tooth moving forward. When this occurs, a person often has additional symptoms that indicate a more severe issue.
1. Pain
This symptom typically develops when decay is present deep within the tooth. Without treatment, it can spread down into your tooth’s root, triggering persistent tooth pain.
2. Swelling gums
You should never ignore swollen gums — they’re often a warning sign of a dental issue, including periodontal (gum) disease. Without treatment, infections can become systemic, meaning they spread to other areas of your body and put you at risk of more urgent health issues.
3. Sensitivity to temperature
Have you noticed a sharp pain or dull ache when the tooth gets exposed to hot or cold foods and beverages? It’s also common for this increased sensitivity to make chewing in the affected area difficult.
If you’re favoring one side of your mouth to avoid discomfort or pain, it’s time to visit the dentist.
4. A cracked or fractured tooth
If you crack, chip, or break a tooth, it can leave sensitive tooth nerves exposed. When exposed to air, it can cause pain and sensitivity. However, it can also increase your chances of developing a painful infection that requires a root canal.
Take action to protect your oral health
Our team at A Caring Dental Group can help. If you notice any of these signs of a problem, contact our office to schedule a complete oral health exam. We also offer emergency dental services to ensure you receive the help you need when you need it most.
Based on our assessment, Dr. Kim can determine the best course of treatment moving forward to save your tooth.
Along with learning to spot the signs of a problem, A Caring Dental Group also recommends scheduling twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings. Regular checkups help us detect underlying issues — such as cavities or inflammation — early, which can help you avoid a root canal later on.
If you have unusual tooth symptoms, call A Caring Dental Group in Cleveland, Ohio, at 216-446-6977 or schedule a consultation online anytime.
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