More than 15 million root canals are performed every year in the United States. A root canal is a dental treatment known as endodontic treatment (derived from the Greek words inside and tooth). Endodontic treatments are more invasive than treatments like cavity fillings or cosmetic treatments that only restore the superficial layer of teeth. Despite this, streamlined treatment and equipment make endodontic treatments more accessible and less painful than ever before. Please call Supreme Dentistry today at
844.966.2333 for more information about our
root canal services if you suspect you may need a root canal.
Top Signs You Need a Root Canal Treatment
A root canal is a dental procedure that a dentist or an oral surgeon performs to remove the infected contents teeth. This type of dental procedure has been performed for many years. Due to new techniques, available technology, and improved anesthesia, root canals are not nearly as painful as they used to be. It is necessary to let your dentist know about any of the following symptoms because they can point to the need for a root canal procedure:
Severe Pain
Any time you experience severe pain in your teeth or jaw, you should let your dentist know. Occasional pain isn’t always indicative of a serious underlying issue, but it can be. Pain from deep inside the tooth’s root usually comes in severe waves. After the initial soreness of an endodontic root canal treatment wears off, you will be pain-free.
An Abscess
During a dental consultation, your dentist may notice an abscess during your dental X-rays. Abscesses are signs of an infection that result in a hole because bone won’t grow around the infection. Your dentist can decide on the proper treatment when they locate an abscess.
Bumps on the Gums
Sometimes infections in your mouth lead to small, pimple-like bumps called a fistula. The presence of a fistula could point to an infected tooth needing a root canal treatment.
Temperature Sensitivity
Anyone can have temperature sensitivity occasionally, even with healthy teeth. However, heat and cold sensitivity worsen when tooth enamel erodes because the underlying dentin layer is exposed. When an individual needs an endodontic treatment, temperature sensitivity can linger well after the heat or cold exposure passes.
Tender or Swollen Gums
Let your dentist know if brushing or flossing has become painful or caused your gums to bleed. Tender and swollen gums that bleed often indicate a deeper oral health issue. Sometimes the cause of gum pain and swelling is an infection that will warrant an endodontic root canal procedure.
A Change in Gum Tissue Color
Darkening gums are a sign that the gums are decayed. When an underlying infection causes a tooth to die, the gums will often begin to decay as well. If your gum tissue is deteriorating, a root canal is almost always in order.
A Chipped or Cracked Tooth
A chipped or cracked tooth often means you need a root canal. Trauma or a dead tooth can cause a tooth to start to break apart. If the tooth is not intact, it is likely to become infected in the future. So a root canal and crown restoration procedure can serve to save your tooth from further degradation.
How a Root Canal Helps to Maintain Your Oral Health
A properly executed endodontic treatment can save your tooth. A root canal procedure helps to maintain the overall health of your mouth. It serves several important purposes, including:
- Addressing root canal pain
- Maintaining bone integrity around the tooth
- Preventing a future tooth extraction
- Preventing a costly tooth implant in the future
- Eliminating infection and keeping future conditions at bay, which could jeopardize your overall physical well-being
An endodontic root canal treatment is relatively straightforward. A dentist or an oral surgeon will remove the infected pulp, clean the root canal, and seal up the space, preventing further infection. After a root canal procedure, your dentist will place a crown or another chosen restoration to protect the whole tooth. It is essential not to neglect the need for a root canal. Neglecting this necessary procedure can degrade the bone surrounding your tooth and jaw. Having a root canal procedure completed can help keep a dangerous infection from spreading further. Untreated mouth infections can cause more significant physical harm and systemic health issues. There is a notable correlation between oral infections and heart and autoimmune diseases . If you have any of the signs you need a root canal, check out our services today.
Get Root Canal Services at Supreme Dentistry
The only way to be sure you need an endodontic root canal treatment is to visit a certified oral health professional. A dentist or an oral surgeon has the proper tools to evaluate your case, diagnose dental issues, and administer the appropriate treatment for you. Don’t put your health at risk any longer by leaving an infection untreated. Schedule your visit to Supreme Dentistry today by calling us at
844.966.2333.
