How do you know if you need a root canal?

You may be recommended for a root canal when the pulp or soft tissue inside the root canal is inflamed or infected. This inflammation or infection is caused by bacteria, a crack or injury, or tooth decay. Root canals are one of the most common procedures done today, and they help restore our teeth back to a healthy state.

Patients may have symptoms that something may be wrong, but in some cases there are no symptoms at all. It is important to attend regularly scheduled visits at one of our four locations to ensure your teeth look healthy, and are free of infection. If the infection is left untreated, the infection can become worse and an abscess can form. It is important to address any issues quickly to help preserve our natural teeth.

Symptoms you may need a root canal:

• Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
• Pain in or around a tooth
• Tender feeling while chewing food
• Tooth discoloration
• Tooth injury
• Drainage or swelling around the tooth or gums
• Tissue or jaw feels tender to the touch

A root canal procedure is straight forward, and recovery is minimal allowing patients to return to normal activity afterwards. Patients may have some pain around the tooth, but this should go away after a few days. Good oral hygiene habits help to keep the tissue and tooth healthy, and free of infection or bacteria. Root canals can last a lifetime if you practice good oral hygiene, and care for your teeth and gums properly.

If you are interested in finding out more about our root canal procedure, please contact Centers for Dental Implants at one of our four locations to schedule your appointment.