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If you are experiencing severe tooth pain or sensitivity, your dentist may suggest that you need a root canal. Root canals are a common dental procedure that are performed to save a damaged or infected tooth. However, many people are unsure about what a root canal is and whether they really need one. In this blog post, we will explore what root canals are and how to tell if you need one.
A root canal is a dental procedure that involves removing the damaged or infected pulp from the inside of a tooth.
What is a Root Canal?
It is a dental procedure that involves removing infected pulp from the inside of a tooth. The pulp is the soft tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes infected or damaged, it can cause severe pain and sensitivity. During a root canal procedure, the dentist will remove the damaged pulp, clean out the root canals, and fill them with a special material. The tooth is then capped with a crown or filling to protect it from further damage.
Signs That You May Need a Root Canal
Severe Tooth Pain
If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure to the tooth, this may be a sign that you need a root canal. The pain may be constant or intermittent, and it may be accompanied by swelling or tenderness in the surrounding gum tissue.
Sensitivity to Heat or Cold
If you experience sudden, sharp pain when consuming hot or cold foods or beverages, this may be a sign of pulp damage or infection. This sensitivity may persist even after the source of the heat or cold has been removed.
Discoloration of the Tooth
If one of your teeth has become discoloured, especially if it has turned gray or black, this may be a sign that the pulp inside the tooth is dead or dying. A root canal may be necessary to prevent further damage to the tooth and surrounding tissue.
Swollen or Tender Gums
If you notice swelling or tenderness in the gum tissue surrounding a particular tooth, this may be a sign of an infection in the pulp. This infection can spread to other teeth and tissues if left untreated, so it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
A Persistent Pimple on the Gums
If you have a pimple or bump on your gums that does not go away, this may be a sign of an abscessed tooth. An abscess occurs when the infection spreads beyond the root of the tooth, causing a painful bump or pimple on the gums.
Are you experiencing any of these symptoms?
If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, sensitivity, or other symptoms, you may need a root canal. Only a qualified dentist can determine if this is the case, so it is important to seek professional dental care as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can lead to further damage and potential tooth loss. Remember, early treatment can save your tooth and prevent further damage to your oral health.
Contact Dental At Forest Hill
Our emphasis is always to provide gentle, dental care. We are a family oriented general dental practice, and our primary focus is preventing disease and providing happy smiles. We are conveniently located on 250 Canterbury Rd, Forest Hill, VIC 3131. You can call us on: (03) 9878 3233 to ask any questions or to set up an appointment.