Root canal therapy is used to restore a tooth that has developed a root canal infection Many people are anxious about getting one, but treatment is always preferable to oral pain and tooth loss.
How do patients know if they need this restorative treatment? When you visit Metropolitan Dental Care, one of our experienced dentists will examine your tooth to determine the best way to restore your oral health.
Here are some common signs that you are a candidate for safe and effective root canal therapy.
Reasons for Needing Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is necessary when your dental pulp has been compromised by tooth decay.
When plaque and bacteria are allowed to build up on teeth, the microbes release acid that eats through enamel. If the decay continues to go develop, it will begin to affect the dentin layer underneath. This is what leads to advanced cavities.
Beneath the dentin layer is the dental pulp. This pulp consists of blood vessels, connective tissues, and nerves. When tooth decay eats through the dentin layer, it reaches the dental pulp and the infection will begin to rapidly spread. This leads to the need for root canal therapy.
In some cases, root canal therapy may be necessary even without the presence of cavities. If a tooth has become cracked or severely chipped, the bacteria may be able to reach the dental pulp directly.
Signs that You Need Root Canal Therapy
- Severe pain when chewing: Pain while eating can occur for a number of reasons, but all of them should prompt a visit to the dentist. In some cases, the cause of the pain is pulp decay that requires root canal therapy.
- Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold: Tooth sensitivity is common when tooth enamel has been eroded or there are cavities. If the sensitivity persists after the hot or cold substance has been removed, you may need to undergo root canal therapy.
- Darkened tooth: Deep discoloration of a tooth is a clear sign that a person needs the restorative benefits of root canal therapy. If the center of a tooth looks black instead of white, the tooth likely needs root canal therapy.
Other common symptoms include gum tissue swelling and gum recession. Some of these symptoms may point toward other dental problems. Your Denver dentist will be able to evaluate your symptoms and determine the best solution to your oral health problems.
Patients should know that root canal infections do not always develop from tooth decay. This is one of the many reasons it’s important to visit the dentist twice a year. At your regularly scheduled dental cleanings and exams, our dentists will be able to detect any potential dental issues and treat them before they progress.
Contact Our Denver Dentists if You Have Dental Pulp Decay
Many people are scared to go to the dentist for the treatment of cavities because they’re afraid of having to undergo root canal therapy. At Metropolitan Dental Care, our dentists will provide you with dental care that is as gentle as possible. We strive to create an environment that’s as stress-free as possible when we perform root canal therapy. Contact us today by calling 303-534-2626 to schedule a dental appointment
