Most people who are told they need root canal therapy won’t exactly glow with enthusiasm while discussing the procedure with the dentist in Rescue, CA. However, going through this treatment is much better than suffering in situations requiring a root canal procedure. Leaving the problematic tooth untreated can cause the infection to spread beyond the mouth.
What Is a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal treatment aims to clean out tooth decay and preserve the infected tooth. The dentist eliminates the decay and bacteria from the tooth pulp, root, and nerve before disinfecting the area with antibiotics. Next, they fill the empty roots and seal the tooth to prevent new decay.
However, it’s important to note that root canal therapy can make a tooth more fragile. For this reason, dentists usually cover the treated tooth with a dental crown or other restoration to ensure its protection against further damage.
Do I Need a Root Canal?
You’ll want to watch out for these warning signs indicating the need for a root canal procedure sooner rather than later.
Deep Decay
Without regular oral hygiene and professional teeth cleanings, the teeth and gums become more vulnerable to infection and disease. It’s worth noting that no amount of brushing, flossing, or rinsing with mouthwash can fix a severely decayed tooth. Once deep decay sets in within its base, it penetrates the tooth’s nerve and root. In this scenario, root canal therapy is your only option for repair.
Severe Tooth Pain
You should see your dentist immediately if you experience sharp pain when your tooth is under pressure or have trouble doing daily activities, such as drinking or eating, without feeling pain. They’ll likely recommend a root canal treatment to eliminate the pain and remove the tooth’s infected pulp chamber, which houses its nerve endings, connective tissue, and blood vessels.
Prolonged Tooth Sensitivity
What starts as a dull ache each time you eat or drink something hot or cold can progress into a sharp, intense pain. Tooth sensitivity stems from damaged blood vessels and nerve endings in its pulp chamber. If your tooth’s pulp chamber suffers from an infection, it can cause you to experience sensitivity that can last for weeks or months without improvement. Since your tooth won’t heal on its own, a root canal treatment might be in your future.
Pimples on the Gums
You’re likely dealing with an infected tooth needing a root canal procedure if you notice a tiny bump on your gums. This pimple-like bump, also known as an abscess, indicates leakage of infected fluids into your gum tissues near the tooth’s root. Unless your dentist treats your tooth with root canal therapy, bacteria from the infected tooth can enter the bloodstream and spread to other areas in the body.
Tooth Discoloration
Untreated tooth decay and infection can kill a tooth. When a tooth dies, its pulp chamber decomposes, causing tooth discoloration. In most cases, a dead tooth appears gray or black. If you see your tooth darkening after sustaining an injury to your mouth, you’ll want to seek emergency dental care.
Looking for a Trusted Dentist in Rescue, CA?
At Forest Ridge Dental Group, we’re dedicated to providing outstanding service in our state-of-the-art facility to ensure the finest dental care in a comfortable and soothing atmosphere. Contact us today to make an appointment.
