A root canal is a dental procedure that is used to repair a severely decayed or infected tooth. A root canal may also be necessary after trauma to the tooth or damage caused by biting down on something hard. At Freeman Dental, during a root canal, the damaged interior of the tooth is removed in order to preserve the tooth and prevent tooth loss.
Signs That Indicate You May Need Root Canal Therapy
Tooth Pain
Patients who are experiencing tooth pain may require root canal therapy. The treatment is meant to relieve pain and eliminate its cause. Root canal treatment removes any dead or infected tissue and restores the tooth.
A Pimple on the Gums
A pimple on the gums that doesn’t go away after a few days may be a sign that you need a root canal. It is often a sign that a dental nerve is exposed, which can cause a lot of pain.
A pimple on the gums is also a sign that the tissue and gums are inflamed. This inflammation is usually the result of a cavity. If left untreated, the inflamed tissue can eventually form an abscess.
Cracks in the Tooth
When a tooth is cracked, the tooth pulp, nerves, and blood vessels may become damaged. A tooth with cracks can become very sensitive to hot or cold. If left untreated, the crack could extend into the root, leading to infection or loss of the tooth.
Tooth Discoloration
Discoloration is one of the most common signs of a tooth infection. The tooth enamel turns yellow or brown due to the seeping of bacteria and pus. When the tooth infection is severe, the nerve and pulp of the tooth can be damaged. The tooth discoloration may then extend to the gums and lips. This discoloration can be reversed by professional treatment, which includes root canal therapy.
Extreme Pain and Sensitivity
If you are experiencing pain in your tooth, you should schedule a dental exam as soon as possible. This pain may be caused by an infection in the pulp, which is the inner living tissue of a tooth. This infection can be caused by a cracked or chipped tooth, a deep cavity, or an injury. If you are experiencing sensitivity when eating hot or cold foods and your tooth is sensitive to temperature changes, the sensitivity could be a symptom of an infection.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
A root canal procedure eliminates the infection, relieves the pain, and repairs tooth damage. During the procedure, we clean out the infected tooth pulp, seal the tooth to prevent reinfection, and place a dental crown on top.
When you experience severe tooth pain, the best thing you can do is call our dentists right away for an evaluation. We’ll examine your tooth and determine whether root canal treatment is needed.
Get in touch with our team at Freeman Dental by calling (270) 444-6080 for our Paducah office and learn more about the benefits of root canal therapy.
