Why Would I Need a Root Canal Treatment?

Nothing is more uncomfortable or distressing than a severe, persistent toothache, and we at High Street Dentistry are here to help. If the pain you’re experiencing is due to inner pulp infection or inflammation, we may recommend root canal therapy to relieve your discomfort and help save the affected tooth. Here’s all you need to know about the endodontic treatment and the signs you may need one.

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Your teeth have three main layers: the outer layer known as the enamel, the underlying dentin layer, and the inner soft core known as the pulp that extends into the root. The tooth’s inner pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues.

Root canal therapy is designed to treat tooth pulp infection or inflammation, usually resulting from deep decay, a tooth chip or crack, trauma, damaged dental restorations, or repeated dental procedures. The procedure involves removing the infection from the roots and filling and sealing the space to prevent reinfection. Root canal therapy helps preserve the affected tooth, avoiding the need for extraction.

What Are the Warning Signs You Need a Root Canal Treatment?

Warning signs indicating inner pulp damage requiring root canal therapy include the following:

• Persistent Tooth Pain: Pain that persists is one of the most common signs that you may need a root canal treatment. However, a toothache can result from various factors, all of which require prompt evaluation to prevent complications.
• Sensitivity to Hot and Cold: Do you wince when eating your favorite ice cream or drinking your morning coffee? Sensitivity to hot and cold may indicate that the tooth’s inner pulp is infected or inflamed, so it’s important to contact us for an evaluation.
• Pain When Biting or Touching: If your tooth is painful in response to pressure, it may mean the tissues around the root tip are inflamed. This sharp or throbbing pain during chewing is a classic indicator that the internal nerve is affected.
• A Chipped or Fractured Tooth: A chip or fracture provides harmful bacteria an entryway into the tooth, often leading to inflammation and infection. Even if the chip seems minor, make sure to have the tooth checked.
• Swollen or Tender Gums: If the gums near a painful tooth are swollen, red, or tender to the touch, it often indicates an infection at the root. This swelling may come and go or be accompanied by a small, pimple-like bump on the gums known as a dental abscess.
• Tooth Discoloration: An infection in a tooth’s inner pulp can cause grayish or dark discoloration. This occurs when internal tissue is damaged or the blood supply is compromised, requiring prompt care.
• Tooth Mobility: An infected tooth may feel looser than its neighbors because the infection can soften the bone supporting the tooth. It can also cause the ligaments around the root to swell, making the tooth feel unstable in the socket.

Why Opt for a Root Canal Treatment?

Left untreated, a tooth pulp infection or inflammation can lead to complications, including severe pain, facial swelling, bone loss around the tooth’s roots, and even tooth loss. The infection can spread to the neighboring teeth and jawbone and can even enter the bloodstream, leaving your health at risk.

The only alternative to a root canal treatment you need is to have the affected toothextracted and replaced with a restoration such as adental implant,bridge, orpartial denture. Root canal therapy helps relieve your discomfort and save the affected tooth, which is always the best outcome for your smile.

Root Canal Therapy Near Me in Jefferson City, MO

At High Street Dentistry, we recognize that some of our patients feel anxious when they hear they need a root canal treatment. Dr. Jones and his patient-centered team are committed to providing top-tier care in a warm and comfortable environment. We strive to ensure you are as comfortable as possible at every step. We invite you to call us at (573) 636-7432 to schedule an appointment or request one online today!