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Do I Need a Root Canal?

Do I Need a Root Canal?

If you believe you can need a root canal, you should be aware of three significant warning signs. While there are several other signs you should be mindful of, the following signs are the most effective. Most of the time, if you visit your dentist in Denver, CO, right away, you can stop the tooth infection. It's important to treat any dental problem as it arises. In honor of Root Canal Awareness Week coming up, read Do I Need a Root Canal? to learn more about root canal therapy. 

Root Canal Therapy 

A root canal is a fairly common dental procedure at OG Dental. Dr. O'Grady will begin by numbing the patient's mouth, ensuring no pain during treatment. Once the area is completely numb, Dr. O'Grady will drill a small hole in the tooth. This is where the infected pulp and decay are removed. Root canal therapy is usually completed with a dental crown. 

Symptoms of a Root Canal

Watch out for the following signs when asking yourself, "Do I need a root canal?" Our friend Dr. Leeson, a dentist in St. Petersburg, FL, says that good oral hygiene and routine dental checkups keep teeth safe. That alone is normally enough to keep this procedure at bay. However, a person needs to see a dentist at the first sign of trouble.

#1 Sign: Pain

The most obvious sign that you need a root canal is pain, especially when chewing or biting down on something hard. This isn't just discomfort; it's severe pain. The majority of people who need a root canal feel a sharp feeling in addition to throbbing. Anyone who has this happen to them should contact an emergency dentist in Denver, CO.

#2 Sign: Chipped or Cracked Tooth

Another symptom is a chipped or broken tooth, which can be affected by chewing on something hard or by an accident. In this scenario, you could be exposing the tooth's nerves. Infections may occur if food particles and bacteria enter the area. This is very dangerous and could put the tooth at risk. The explanation for this is that the infection will spread across the body via the bloodstream. A root canal repairs the chip or crack and relieves pain.

#3 Sign: Sensitivity to Hot/Cold

Some people are more susceptible to hot and cold foods and drinks than others. Many who require a root canal, on the other hand, have a serious reaction. If left untreated, mild sensitivity will progress to full-fledged pain. An exposed nerve is the culprit in some cases. Often the blood vessels are damaged, says Dr. O'Grady.

Additional Signs You Need a Root Canal

There are several other indications that someone requires a root canal. For example, if the gums become swollen, this may suggest the start of gum disease. Any discoloration in a tooth is also a symptom. A dying tooth sometimes causes this. After a root canal, a crown may be placed on the tooth by a restorative dentist.

Contact a Denver Dentist

Visiting your Denver dentist for a consultation is always recommended when you're experiencing anything out of the unusual. Our OG Dental team will evaluate your problems and recommend the best treatment possible, whether that be a filling, root canal, or tooth extraction. Contact OG Dental today to get your oral health back on track!