When Is A Root Canal Necessary?

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When Is A Root Canal Necessary?Studies regarding the dental pulp (roots and soft matter beneath the teeth) as well as the treatment of it are a dental specialty more commonly known as endodontics. One of the many endodontic procedures that we perform here at Community Dental Group is endodontic or “root canal” therapy. In most cases, we recommend root canal therapy if one or more of your tooth have suffered severe decay. Rather than performing an extraction, the nerve is removed and then the tooth is sealed in order to restore it.

 

Diagnosis

In order for Community Dental Group to accurately diagnose the need for root canal therapy, an endodontist evaluate the information they have collected during your examination. Typically, that information is collected from three different sources, namely:

  • Additional testing on the tooth in question
  • Signs your dentist notices
  • Symptoms you’ve noticed

Keep in mind that there are a number of signs or symptoms that you may or may not already be familiar with. However, there are others that may not be as apparent.

 

Primary Signs And Symptoms To Be Aware Of

There are a number of signs or symptoms that may indicate the need for root canal therapy. You may be aware of some while others will be less apparent and harder to identify. Here are the primary ones to look for:

  • Discoloration of the tooth’s exterior – you will have to look in a mirror to distinguish this particular sign or symptom. Oftentimes, when the tooth is severely decayed, the exterior will appear discolored and look different from your other teeth.
  • Gum swelling and tenderness – swelling can range from barely noticeable or slight to very pronounced such as a noticeable lump. Your gums may feel tender to the touch and if there is an acute flare-up, the swelling could extend outward to your face and down into your neck.
  • Noticeable pain at the site of the tooth – the pain may decrease or intensify based on the position of your body while ranging from slight discomfort to extreme pain. Exposure to cold or hot beverages and foods may trigger the pain. Additionally, the pain could be so intense that you cannot sleep.

If you notice any of these signs and symptoms, we urge you to contact Community Dental Group immediately and schedule an appointment with an endodontist. We may be able to save the tooth so that extraction isn’t necessary.