When Is a Root Canal Necessary?

If you’ve ever had tooth pain that won’t subside, you’re probably familiar with root canals. More than 15 million of these procedures are performed yearly, helping countless patients save their natural teeth. While root canal treatment can be helpful in many situations, it’s not right for everyone struggling with a troublesome tooth. Learn more about what root canals entail and when this procedure is recommended.

What Exactly Is a Root Canal?

Root canals have a bad rap, primarily due to misconceptions. Some believe this procedure is excruciating, while others are fearful of potential complications that could arise after treatment. Root canals have become prevalent, straightforward procedures that can be performed with minimal discomfort and low risk of complications.

Your Melbourne, Florida dentist may recommend a root canal if the pulp of your tooth is damaged or infected. During the procedure, the soft tissue of the tooth that contains the blood vessels and nerves is removed and replaced with a filling material. This helps seal the tooth from exposure to bacteria and prevents infection in the future. It’s one of the best ways to save a tooth that might need to be extracted.

When are Root Canals Necessary?

A root canal is often suggested to a patient when a tooth shows signs of significant infection or has major pulpal nerve damage. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to the spread of infection, tooth loss, and bone loss.

There are many reasons why a patient may require root canal treatment, starting with trauma to the tooth. A hit to the mouth, a car accident, a sports-related injury, and many other scenarios can lead to nerve tissue damage. If this damage is deep, impacting the tooth’s inner pulp, a root canal may be the only viable treatment option.

Another common reason for root canals is physical irritation to the pulp and its inner components caused by deep tooth decay or a large cavity. If decay reaches the tooth’s nerves, or a deep filling continues to irritate the pulp, bacteria can accumulate in the tooth, causing possible infection.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Every patient is different, meaning you may experience symptoms that others don’t. However, patients with infected or decayed teeth often exhibit similar warning signs that you should look out for, including:

1. Chipped or Cracked Tooth

Teeth can become chipped or cracked due to an accident or when biting down on something hard. It doesn’t take much to cause significant damage to a tooth. Even a hairline crack or tiny chip can allow bacteria to enter and contribute to decay. Having your chipped or cracked tooth promptly repaired can help you avoid these problems.

2. Swelling

While general swelling does not necessarily mean that your tooth needs a root canal, your Melbourne, FL dentist must determine the underlying cause. Swelling of the jaw and face, whether barely noticeable or severe, could mean that a tooth is infected. This type of swelling may be accompanied by gum and tooth pain.

3. Chronic Sensitivity

Many people experience tooth sensitivity, which is often caused by exposure of the dentin layer to stimuli, such as pressure or extreme temperature. However, if all other causes have been ruled out and sensitivity becomes a chronic issue, a root canal could eliminate the discomfort.

4. Toothache

Like swelling, toothaches can have a range of causes. However, extremely painful or persistent toothaches may signal the need for root canal treatment. This discomfort may appear as a continuous throb, or the pain may come and go. Toothaches that typically require treatment often worsen when biting down, indicating that the tooth’s nerves are affected.

5. Dental Abscess

If you notice a pimple-like bump on your gum, it may be an abscess. Dental abscesses indicate an infection of the tooth, which has caused a deep pocket to fill with pus. An abscess can be incredibly painful, so antibiotics and a root canal may be necessary.

Find Out How We Can Help

If you have dental problems and think a root canal may help, our highly trained dental professionals can help you determine if this treatment is right for you. Contact Artistic Touch Dentistry today to schedule an appointment.