Do I Need A Root Canal?
Root canal treatments can save teeth. A long time ago, if dental decay spread into the root of a tooth the only solution was to have the tooth pulled (usually after the patient started to experience severe toothaches and pain). The root canal procedure was created to remove decay from the root of a tooth, fill the tooth root, and allow the tooth to survive. And over the decades this treatment has continued to evolve and improve to help decrease discomfort for dental patients. All that said, many patients are not happy to hear that they might need a root canal. Root canals have a reputation for being invasive and causing discomfort. However, that is not the case in modern dentistry. A modern root canal treatment is designed to prevent discomfort and is much better than the alternative of severe toothaches. Here are the basics of root canal treatments.
What Symptoms Are Related To Root Canals
A root canal is needed when bacteria enter the tooth root. Unfortunately, like dental cavities, sometimes this infection can go completely unnoticed by a patient. This is why dentists recommend routine dental visits. Most dental problems develop over months of time and go unnoticed by patients. Early diagnosis can often be the difference between something that is reversible with preventative dental treatments and proper oral care and something that requires restorative care.
While the early stages of tooth decay might be asymptomatic, later stages often come with the following symptoms.
- Cracked Teeth: A tooth crack can expose the inside of your tooth to bacteria, leading to a quick infection. If your teeth are cracked or chipped, you should see a dentist.
- Bumps On Your Gums: You may notice pimples or bumps on your gums. This is often a sign that there is bacteria under your gums that leads to the formation of these bumps.
- Pain When Chewing: If you notice severe pain around one of your teeth when chewing or biting down, this is usually a sign that there is an underlying issue.
- Temperature Sensitivity: While it is sometimes normal for there to be some sensitivity when eating/drinking something hot or cold, if the sensitivity lingers that is often a sign that the nerves in your teeth are exposed.
- Darkening Gums: As bacteria spreads beneath the gums you might notice that your gums start to swell, become tender, or look darker than normal.
What Happens If You Don’t Get A Root Canal
If infection is not treated your symptoms will get worse and eventually, you will likely need the tooth pulled. Even if the tooth isn’t pulled, severe infection around the tooth roots can lead to the tooth loosening and falling out on its own. Regardless, you should never ignore dental treatments, dental issues can spread throughout your mouth leading to more teeth getting infected.
Schedule A Dental Exam in Lawrence MA
If you live in the Lawrence area, we highly recommend routine dental exams to ensure that dental issues are found and addressed quickly. For more information, please give us a call.