Going to the dentist every six months helps you keep your teeth clean and also alerts you of any dental problems you might not have realized you had. For instance, brushing your teeth won’t alert you that you have a tooth that’s decayed and needs a root canal, but it can alert you that you have a sore tooth that’s causing you pain. Only a trip to your dentist will tell you the exact root of the problem – pun intended!
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a treatment that eliminates bacteria from an infected root canal. It is used to save your tooth from dying by removing the infected pulp and then cleaning and filling the inside of a tooth.
Why save your tooth?
Saving your natural tooth can have many benefits including:
- Eliminating toothache
- Keeping your natural tooth’s appearance
- Protecting your other teeth from overworking
- Efficient chewing
Does a root canal hurt?
During your surgery, you will be put under anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain. After the procedure, you may be prescribed pain medicine and a new diet for a day or two while your tooth heals. You should only have mild discomfort for a few days. If you end up with more discomfort, you should contact your dentist right away.
Signs you may need a root canal
If a cavity goes unfilled, or you have issues with a previous filling, you may be a good candidate for a root canal. Reason being, because the infected tooth has likely gone deeper than anticipated and now your root has become affected.
Here are common signs a root canal may be in your future:
- Severe pain when chewing
- You notice a filling is no longer on your tooth
- You have a chipped or cracked tooth
- You are sensitive to hot and cold foods
- You have swollen gums