Do you have a searing pain in your tooth that just doesn’t seem to go away? Do you have a deep cavity that you haven’t gotten treated yet? Did your tooth get cracked or chipped due to an injury? If any of these symptoms sound familiar, you might need a root canal, according to your dentist in Danville. Let’s look at 5 signs that a root canal may be necessary.
What is a Root Canal?
Root canal therapy, also known simply as a root canal, is a procedure designed to save a damaged tooth from having to be extracted. It may be needed when decay, trauma, or general wear and tear reaches the inner layer of the tooth, called the pulp.
During a root canal procedure, your dentist will numb the area with a local anesthetic. Then he or she will create a hole in the tooth through which he or she will remove the decayed areas of the pulp, as well as the nerve, to alleviate your pain. Your tooth will then be sealed up and protected with a crown or other restorative treatment, freeing you from the pain you were experiencing before. Let’s look at 5 signs you might need a root canal:
1. Persistent Pain
Pain is one of the most common signs that something is wrong with your tooth. If you have pain that lasts more than a couple of days and does not subside with painkillers, contact your dentist right away to see what the issue is.
2. Sensitivity to Heat or Cold
If your tooth hurts when you consume hot or cold foods and beverages, you might need a root canal. This may be due to damaged nerve endings inside the tooth. Getting those nerve endings removed with root canal therapy may be the only way to relieve that pain.
3. Swollen Gums
Swollen gums mean that a problem lurks beneath the surface. If your gums are painful or you feel a raised bump, your dentist will have to examine the area to determine the best course of treatment. They might prescribe antibiotics before resorting to a root canal.
4. Injury to the Tooth
Your tooth might become chipped or cracked as a result of chewing hard foods or from being involved in contact sports. This can expose the sensitive nerves inside the tooth, leaving them more vulnerable to infection. If your tooth has been injured in any way, talk to your dentist to determine if you require a root canal. If not, he or she may place a crown over that tooth to protect it.
5. Deep Decay
Contrary to what many of us would like to believe, cavities don’t just go away if you ignore them. In fact, they often get worse as bacteria create more acid that erodes enamel. Once decay has reached the pulp of your tooth, no amount of brushing or flossing will solve the issue. When you have a cavity, not matter how small, it’s important to get it filled right away.
Root canals might not sound like very much fun, but they can prevent or delay extraction of your tooth. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, be sure to let your dentist know right away so they can save your tooth.
About the Practice
Danville Dental Associates now have 5 convenient locations throughout Danville and Chatham, VA. Our team of 8 dentists are experts in a wide variety of fields, including root canal therapy. We strive to make every patient as comfortable as possible while receiving the care they need. To learn more about root canals, click here or call (434)-793-4116.