Signs That You May Need A Root Canal

Posted on: 17 March 2018

Some people are intimidated by the thought of having a root canal treatment. The procedure involves the drilling of a hole into a tooth to remove the pulp, which contains the dental nerves and blood supply of the tooth. Once the tooth is emptied of the soft pulp material, the tooth's interior is cleaned, disinfected, and filled. Finally, a dental crown is added to restore the appearance and functionality of the tooth.

A root canal is often necessary after a tooth becomes infected, severely decayed, or otherwise traumatized, causing irreparable damage to the dental nerves. Once damaged, the dental nerves may cause severe discomfort.

Here are some of the signs that you may benefit from root canal therapy.

Your Tooth Won't Stop Hurting

Pain is often an indication that something is wrong with a tooth. If the pain quickly subsids after it starts, you may simply have a mild case of dental sensitivity. However, if the pain persists and does not respond to over-the-counter remedies, such as oral analgesic gels or pain medications, the underlying issue may be more serious.

When a dental infection occurs, pressure can build up within a tooth. The pressure may be caused by an accumulation of pus that has not escaped the confines of the tooth. 

This pressure causes the dental nerves to become inflamed. If the pressure and its source are quickly relieved, the tooth may not require a root canal. However, when the damage to the nerves is permanent, the discomfort will persist until the nerves are removed from the tooth.

A Pimple-like Bump Appears Above a Tooth

Sometimes, an infection within a tooth will cause the development of so much pus that some of the infected material escapes into the gingival tissues. There, a capsule forms within the tissue around the pus. Since the pus is contained, as it accumulates, a bump may appear on the surface of the gums adjacent to the infected tooth. This bump, which is an abscess, may have a white pinnacle, similar to a pimple that appears on the face. 

An abscess often indicates that the material within a tooth has become infected. To remove the infected pulp, an endodontic procedure, such as a root canal, is needed. Also, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help ensure that the infection is fully eradicated and does not spread to other areas of the body.

For more information about root canals, schedule a consultation with a dental office like Eatontown Dental Care.

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