About 91 percent of Americans have had tooth decay.
In spite of this startling statistic, most people are able to contain the problem through good teeth hygiene. For some people, however, the issue can escalate to a point where they require root canal treatment.
Just the mention of the phrase ‘root canal’ is enough to send shivers down many people’s spines.
Nonetheless, most of the root canal’s mystique is just urban myth. A root canal is a very effective and quite painless method of treating tooth infections.
This article will discuss what you need to know about the procedure as well as signs you need a root canal.
What is Root Canal?
Also known as endodontic therapy, a root canal is a dental procedure used to clear the infection from a tooth. It also works to protect teeth from future infections.
Nevertheless, ‘root canal’ is not a treatment by itself rather, it describes part of a tooth. The canal refers to the hollow section inside a tooth. This section contains blood vessels, nerve tissue, and other cells. It is also known as the pulp.
The pulp is responsible for nourishing the tooth in addition to providing it with moisture.
It is the nerves inside the pulp that is responsible for pain sensitivity.
When the pulp gets injured or infected, it loses the ability to repair itself and starts dying.
This will result in immense and continuous pain that can only be treated through a root canal procedure else you lose the tooth.
This procedure is relatively painless since it is done while you are under anesthesia.
Signs You Need a Root Canal
If you have had a troubling tooth for a while, the following are signs that you need the procedure.
1. Severe Tooth Pain
An occasional toothache might not seem like much. However, if you have a persistent severe pain that only seems to get worse, it means that you might need a root canal.
2. Prolonged Sensitivity to Temperatures
Cavities normally cause one to be sensitive to temperature extremes. However, if this sensitivity is prolonged, it means that the pulp is severely infected and needs to be removed.
Smoking and bad oral hygiene are the main reasons why teeth get discolored. This is why you should be keen on improving oral hygiene. However, if it is only one tooth that is discoloring, it is an indication of a potential pulp issue.
4. Excessive Tenderness or Swelling of the Gum
When a pulp infection is not treated, it eventually makes its way to the gum. The gum becoming tender and swelling is the indication of an infection.
Another way the gum shows infection is through pimples. If you start developing bumps on your gum, you should see a dentist as it might be a sign of something serious.
Why Root Canal?
Admittedly, the thought of getting the insides of your tooth scrubbed out can be quite intimidating. However, a root canal will remove an infection to ensure that it does not spread in addition to ensuring that you do not lose the tooth.
If you have a troubling tooth, the above are signs you need a root canal. Topanga Dental has helped numerous Chatsworth residents to get dental relief. Request an appointment today and allow us to help solve your issue.