A root canal treatment is a very effective way to save a damaged tooth, according to Jacqueline S. Allen, D.D.S., M.S. of Phoenix Endodontic Group. How do you know if you may need the procedure? The answer is sometimes very obvious!
Your tooth is composed of a hard shell (enamel), a soft inner material (pulp), many nerves and blood vessels, and the tooth’s root, which extends into the gums. Generally the tooth’s exterior protects the vulnerable insides from harm but occasionally a breach occurs.
A crack or chip, a cavity, dental disease, and decay can strike, allowing bacteria to invade the interior of the tooth. When this occurs, symptoms usually tell the tale. Temperature sensitivity, a pimple forming on the side of the tooth, pain when biting, swelling, throbbing, and waking up at night with tooth pain are all signs you may need a root canal, says Dr. Allen. You may not see visible changes, but chances are good that you’ll be experiencing the problem in other ways.
Occasionally a patient comes to an Endodontist with no outward symptoms but the damage is already significant. This is a great example of why seeing your family dentist for regular checkups is very important for early identification of trouble. By performing twice-yearly exams including bite-wing x-rays, your dentist should be able to see warning signs in their infancy and refer you to Dr. Allen’s office for treatment.
Many people have avoidance when it comes to tooth trouble, but this behavior can only make things worse. The tooth will not recover on its own once the decay has begun to destroy the tooth, and Pain, swelling, and possible loss of the tooth is the cost of delaying treatment, Dr. Allen states. The root canal procedure may need to be more extensive if decay is allowed to progress, so getting in quickly for treatment is really your best plan of attack.
If you’ve been suffering with tooth pain or other symptoms, call Phoenix Endodontic Group to schedule your appointment with Dr. Allen. Under her expert care, your tooth will be as good as new!