When Do You Need a Root Canal - Icard & Strein Family Dentistry

A root canal therapy is an endodontic procedure. The dentist cleans out the decay or bacteria in a tooth’s pulp to save the tooth and prevent further infection. 

When do you need a root canal?

If you are not following good oral hygiene and don’t get regular dental check-ups, you might develop a bacterial infection.

It all starts with a cavity in your tooth that continues breaking down the tooth, from the enamel to the pulp. The cavity gets bigger and bigger unless you visit your dentist, and may eventually lead to tooth loss.

To prevent tooth loss, your dentist removes the decay and fills the hole. But what if you don’t go to the dentist? Here are a few ways to better understand if you need a root canal therapy.

How do you know when you need a root canal?

1. You experience sharp pain

When you feel a sharp, throbbing pain in the root of your tooth, that’s a huge indicator of an unhealthy tooth. Notice when you mostly feel the pain. Is it when you eat or drink? Usually, we experience pain when we chew or drink. Is there constant dental pain until you take a painkiller? All these telltale signs indicate you need a root canal.

2. Sensitivity

If you feel a sharp sensation in your tooth,, you are probably experiencing sensitivity. The sharp sensation occurs when you eat or drink something too hot or cold, like ice cream, coffee, or cold water. Along with the sensation, you will feel intense pain. This happens when the blood vessels are damaged.

3. Swollen gums

Swollen gums are a result of periodontal infection. If your gums are swollen with painful bumps, you need to have your teeth and gums thoroughly checked by your dentist. Sometimes a deep clean is just the solution to reduce the inflammation.

4. Tooth discoloration

Poor hygiene results in discoloration of teeth. If your teeth are exposed to caffeine or certain food and drink, and if you are not conscious about your oral health, this can cause your teeth’s enamel to wear out. If you notice your teeth have become yellowish or blackish, that’s when you know your enamel is compromised.

5. Chipped tooth

If you cracked or chipped a tooth, you need to go to the dentist as soon as possible. This is because a cracked tooth is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. Bacteria can lead to dental infection and the need for a root canal. Your dentist needs to clean the root canal, fill it, seal the crack and then cement the cracked tooth. Infection might spread from your tooth to your gums and finally to your bones.

Do you need a consultation?

Is there a chance of infection after a root canal? Not at all! After the root canal therapy, the dentist will prescribe medicines to help soothe the pain and kill off any remaining germs. Are you looking to get a root canal in Charlotte, NC? Contact us at 704-455-5003 or visit our page to book an appointment online.

Our Harrisburg NC Dentist Office

To learn more about dental treatments from Icard & Strein Family Dentistry, or to schedule an appointment, call our Harrisburg, NC dental office today at 704.455.5003.