Find out if root canal treatment is on the horizon for you.
Why is your tooth hurting so much? It can often feel like the whole world comes to a crashing halt when you are facing a toothache. Our Venice, FL, cosmetic dentist, Dr. Clark Wright, understands just how painful and miserable dental pain can be. Of course, you may be wondering whether or not this means that you need to get a root canal. Find out the telltale signs that a root canal is in your future and why dental pain should always be checked out.
What is the purpose of a root canal?
We know that when people hear the words “root canal” it often evokes negative images; however, this procedure could just end up preserving your natural smile.
Our Venice dentist may recommend that you get a root canal if a tooth has been so terribly affected by trauma, decay or an infection that the health of the nerves and dental pulp inside the tooth have been compromised. When this happens, the only option is to remove the pulp and clean out the tooth in order to protect it.
What happens if I don’t get a root canal?
If we have advised you that you need a root canal and you decide to delay it or not to get the treatment you need the problem will not resolve itself. If the dental pulp isn’t removed, the infection or damage will continue to spread until the tooth is no longer viable and will need to be extracted. At that point we will have to remove the tooth completely and then replace it with an artificial tooth such as a dental bridge or implant.
Instead of going through the hassle of having your tooth removed and replaced, it’s much simpler (not to mention more cost effective) to just have the tooth treated with root canal therapy in the first place.
What are the signs that I may need to come in for treatment?
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it’s important that you seek treatment right away:
- Dental pain
- Tooth sensitivity that lingers when exposed to hot or cold
- Pain that gets worse when biting down or chewing
- Darkening of the tooth
- Swollen, tender gums around the affected tooth
- The development of an abscess (a pimple-like growth that is a sign of infection)
If your smile is giving you warning signs, it’s best to heed those warnings. Call our Venice, FL, dental office right away at the first sign of trouble so we can treat the problem as soon as it happens.