How Do You Know If You Need a Root Canal Treatment Or Not?
If you have a tooth cavity or decay for a long time and are experiencing severe pain at the site, especially when eating or putting pressure on the area, you may be suffering from root canal decay. Other symptoms of root canal decay include prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold stimuli, as well as tenderness or swelling in the gums surrounding the affected tooth.
What Is a Root Canal Treatment or Therapy?
A root canal is a pulp-filled cavity in the root of a tooth. When an outer tooth cavity decay has progressed beneath to touch the pulp-cavity to make it infected, a root canal treatment or therapy is required. A root canal therapy (aka endodontic therapy) is a treatment procedure in which the bacteria-infected nerve and pulp in the root of the tooth are cleaned out and the affected tooth is sealed with fillings and crown.
How Do I Know If I Need a Root Canal or Filling?
When you have a decayed tooth that causes spontaneous and mild pain and sensitivity, it might be a case of cavity requiring a filling of the affected tooth. If the decay is there for a long time (more than six months) and causes severe, sharp, and consistent pain, as well as prolonged sensitivity to the tooth while exposing it to hot or cold temperatures, it might be root canal decay.
Do I Need a Root Canal If There Is No Pain?
It’s a misconception that a root canal is required only when you’re experiencing severe pain. In many cases, like a fracture or an advanced decay of a tooth, there may be no immediate experience of pain or sensitivity. However, as the damage may have exposed the innermost core of your tooth to oral bacteria, a root canal treatment may be recommended as a preventative measure.
Is a Root Canal Painful?
The modern root canal therapy includes anesthetics and the use of modern dentistry instruments and techniques that make it a procedure with little to no pain.
How Long Can I Go Without Getting a Root Canal?
If your dentist has recommended a root canal, you should schedule one as soon as you can. Delaying it will only lead to further complications.
What Are the Risks of Not Getting a Root Canal?
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Tooth loss: The bacteria causes the infection in the pulp. It can gradually get spread into the nerves and root of the tooth causing it to weaken continuously and eventually “die.”
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Pus formation leading to swelling: Infection in the pulp may lead to a dental abscess, a condition in which a puss-filled pocket develops in the root of the tooth. This can lead to swelling of the face, neck and other areas of the head.
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Jaw bone loss: A dental abscess caused by the infection may also lead to more severe conditions like loss of bone in the roots of the tooth and the jawbone.
If you have a decayed tooth that is causing acute pain and prolonged sensitivity at the affected site, you should not ignore it. Give us a call on (301) 754-1900 or (301) 853 1567 to get the best advice and root canal treatment.
Stellar Dental is a leading dental service provider based in Maryland with offices at White Oak and Hyattsville. We strive to provide the best dental care solutions and a state-of-the-art facility to our patients. Our major services include – dental implants, Invisalign, braces, 6 Month Smiles and other general dentistry procedures. We have a team of warm, friendly and compassionate dental professionals.
