5 Signs You May Need a Root Canal
Root canal therapy is an endodontic procedure that has had a bad rap over the years. The good news is that today’s dental technology and anesthetics have come a long way, allowing for more comfortable treatment. Our team at High Street Dentistry will do everything possible to ensure you have a positive, relaxing experience.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Inside each tooth is an area called the pulp chamber that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. Extensive decay, trauma, a tooth chip or fracture, or damaged dental work can cause tooth pulp damage and infection. Root canal therapy is an endodontic procedure designed to treat and save a severely decayed or infected tooth, saving it and alleviating your discomfort.
The root canal procedure involves creating a small opening in the tooth’s crown to remove the diseased pulp. Next is cleaning and shaping the area, then filling it to prevent further infection and damage. After a root canal, we typically place a dental crown to protect the treated tooth. Root canal therapy is a highly predictable procedure with a more than 95% success rate.
What Are Five Signs You May Need a Root Canal Treatment?
Here is a look at some common signs of tooth pulp damage requiring root canal therapy:
1. Persistent Toothache
Persistent tooth pain is one of the most significant warning signs that you may need a root canal treatment. If you experience constant throbbing pain in a specific tooth, it could be a sign of infected pulp tissues. The pain may sometimes come and go, but it will always return unless treated with the help of root canal therapy.
2. Sensitivity to Hot and Cold Temperatures
Do you wince when sipping a hot coffee or indulging in a scoop of your favorite ice cream? Increased sensitivity to temperature changes, especially if it persists after removing the stimulus, may indicate pulp inflammation.
3. Pimple on the Gums
A pimple-like bump on the gums, known as a dental abscess, is a sign that the infection has reached the surrounding tissues. This abscess can be painful and may release a foul-tasting fluid when pressed. Seeking immediate dental attention is critical to prevent the infection from spreading and wreaking havoc on your oral or overall health.
4. Tooth Darkening or Discoloration
A tooth that has changed color, turning dark yellow, gray, or even black, may need a root canal treatment. Discoloration occurs when the pulp tissue starts to break down, affecting the tooth’s color from the inside out. Root canal therapy can preserve the discolored tooth and prevent further complications.
5. A Tooth Chip or Crack
A chipped or cracked tooth can result from trauma or biting down on a hard object. That provides harmful bacteria with an entryway to the inside of the tooth, where it can cause tooth pulp infection and inflammation. A root canal treatment will prevent further damage, preserving the affected tooth.
Root Canal Therapy Near Me in Jefferson City, MO
If you have signs of tooth pulp damage, contact High Street Dentistry to schedule a consultation. Our dedicated team will recommend the most conservative solution to restore your smile’s health and function. If you need a root canal treatment, we will do everything we can to ensure your time with us is as comfortable as possible. We invite you to call (573) 636-7432 to schedule your appointment or request one online today!