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When is a Root Canal Treatment Necessary?

Knowing if you need a root canal can be challenging, especially during those early stages of the problem, when only a dentist can determine the signs. Usually, physical symptoms do not start until the problem is advanced, hence why you should see your dentist regularly. The only sure way to know if you need a holistic root canal New York treatment is by getting an evaluation from your dentist. But several warning signs indicate the need to see your doctor. But before delving into them, below is a simple description of a root canal treatment.

What is a root canal treatment?

A root canal treatment, often called a root canal, is a dental procedure involving the removal of infected pulp to prevent the spread of the infection into your gums, forming an abscess. Infected pulp may be caused by a deep cavity, chip, or crack in your tooth’s enamel. Unfortunately, root canals are reputed to be unpleasant, so it is no surprise that the thought of undergoing the treatment might give you the chills. However, you might be surprised that a root canal treatment is not as bad as you think.

Getting more insight about a root canal procedure goes a long way toward demystifying the myths and common misconceptions about this endodontic treatment, making it easier for you to seek treatment. Below are some symptoms you might need a root canal treatment.

Sensitivity to heat and cold

Sensitivity could feel like a sharp pain or a dull ache and may linger for an extended period even after you stop eating or drinking. You may experience sensitivity when you drink a cup of tea or drink an icy-cold glass of water. Pain, when you eat or drink something hot or cold may indicate that the nerves and blood vessels in your tooth are damaged or infected.

Persistent toothache

Tooth pain that does not go away or that recurs is one of the common signs that you might need a root canal treatment. The pain might be localized in the bone of your tooth or may radiate to your face, jaw, or other teeth. However, besides an infection of your tooth’s pulp, a toothache may also result from a cavity, gum disease, damaged filling, or an impacted tooth that might be infected. It is always a good idea to see the dentist regardless of why you have tooth pain, especially if the pain is ongoing.

Tooth discoloration

An infected pulp can cause your tooth to become discolored, but tooth discoloration has other causes, so it is best to see your dentist if your tooth changes color. Your tooth can develop a grayish-black appearance due to trauma or the breakdown of internal tissue.

Swollen gums

The guns around the painful tooth may be swollen and tender. The swelling may come and go; acidic waste products of dead pulp tissue cause it. You may also develop a pimple on your gum, which may ooze from the infection in the tooth. 

To learn more about root canal treatment and when you need it, consult your provider at Compassionate Endontonists.