You may need root canal treatment if you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, or any of the other signs listed above. Root canal treatment is a common and relatively simple procedure that can save your tooth from extraction. Contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment if you think you may need root canal treatment.
Unsure If You Need Root Canal Treatment? 10 signs that you need this treatment
Regarding oral health, it’s important to be proactive and visit our dentist for checkups regularly. Doing so can catch any potential issues before they become bigger problems. Recently, my dentist pointed out that I needed root canal treatment, and although I was initially hesitant, I’m glad I followed through with it.
If you’re experiencing any of the following signs, you may need root canal treatment:
- Severe toothache or pain that doesn’t go away
- Swelling and/or redness in the gums around the tooth
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Pain when biting down
- A hole or crack in the enamel of the tooth
- Discoloration of the tooth
- Persistent bad breath or taste in your mouth
- Loose teeth
- Gum recession
- Pain when you chew
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.
Root canal treatment is a standard and relatively simple procedure that can save your tooth from extraction.
Can an x-ray show if you need a root canal?
In many cases, yes. Your dentist will likely take x-rays of the affected tooth to check for any damage to the root canal. In some cases, a physical examination of the tooth may be all that’s needed to diagnose the problem.
What happens during root canal treatment?
During root canal treatment, your dentist will clean out the infected or damaged pulp from inside your tooth. Once the pulp is removed, they will fill and seal the tooth. In most cases, a crown or other restoration will be placed over the tooth to protect it from further damage.
Root canal treatment can be an effective way to save a damaged or infected tooth. If you’re experiencing any of the signs listed above, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment.
Last Thoughts
There are a few things you should keep in mind when it comes to diagnosing teeth. Firstly, always be transparent with your patients and give them all their options and the reasoning behind each choice. If you rely solely on x-rays to diagnose, you could make the wrong choice. Make sure to use all the information and clues at your disposal.
Remember that a tooth can be contaminated even if it doesn’t appear on an x-ray or cone beam. So always be open to stepping outside your standard operating procedure if it allows you to better serve a patient in pain.
