How Do I Know If I Need a Root Canal?
Symptoms of an infected root can be annoying and painful; a root canal can solve these problems. So, how do you know when a root canal is your best option?
Here are some common signs that you may need a root canal:
Persistent, severe tooth pain.
Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold.
Pain when biting.
Swollen gums or a bump near the tooth.
A darkened tooth, indicating the dying nerve within.
A chipped or cracked tooth.
These are all signs of severe infection, inflammation, or damage within the tooth, which often necessitate a root canal.
How a Root Canal Helps
A root canal is designed to save a natural tooth affected by infection or damage in the pulp. The pulp is the inner part of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected, it can lead to the symptoms listed above.
During a root canal, the dentist removes the infected or damaged pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and fills the space with a special material called gutta-percha. The tooth is then sealed, and in many cases, protected with a dental crown to restore strength and function.
Schedule Your Root Canal Evaluation
Don’t ignore signs of tooth pain or infection. The sooner a problem is diagnosed, the better the chance of saving your natural tooth.
Contact My Ogden Dentist today to schedule an appointment.