Root Canal 101: Do You Need This Treatment?

A root canal is a dreaded word for patients at the dentist office, but it is nothing to be afraid of. Root canals have a bad reputation but in today’s dental world, they are much easier to complete. While no patient wants to have a root canal, the treatment type can provide relief for specific conditions. Learning more about root canals can be helpful to determine if the treatment type might work for you and how it can be used to save the natural teeth.

Understanding a Root Canal Treatment

A root canal is a dental treatment that will repair and save a tooth that is damaged. When the pulp inside the tooth is damaged or infected, a root canal will be completed. When the pulp is infected and/or damaged, the nerves and blood vessels are affected. The process will see the canals of the root in the tooth cleaned out. This helps to stop any pain in the tooth.

When a root canal is provided, local anesthesia is used to numb the affected tooth. A small opening is made at the top of the tooth so the infected pulp can be removed. The dentist will remove the pulp from the canal and clean the area with an irrigation treatment.

Special material will then be placed inside the canal to keep the area free of contamination. The tooth is then sealed with a crown for more protection.

Root canals have a bad reputation for being a painful procedure. However, the pain one feels is from the infection inside the tooth and not the treatment itself. A root canal is essentially no more painful than a filling procedure.

Signs You Need a Root Canal

Patients will find that there are certain signs that can indicate a root canal is needed. If you have one or more issues with your teeth that cause pain, you may require a root canal for treatment. If you are experiencing severe pain in your teeth when applying pressure or chewing, a root canal may be needed. Another sign can include pain or extreme sensitivity when the tooth or teeth are exposed to hot or cold temperatures.

Have you noticed a pimple around the gums, either in red, yellow or white in coloring? Has a tooth become darker in color or showing signs of discoloration? If so, you may have an issue that requires a root canal. Tenderness in the gums or swelling is yet another sign.

While there are symptoms that can indicate the need for this treatment type, signs are not always present. Visiting the dentist regularly can help to cause any signs that may show an issue within the teeth. Many times, an x-ray is the only indicator that there is an issue with an infection or an abscess.

If you are experiencing tooth pain, contact Winn Family Dentistry to schedule an appointment. With quality care services, any issues can be detected and a root canal scheduled if required.