What Do You Mean I Need a Root Canal?
The first thing that comes to mind when you’re told you need a root canal is that you’re in for a painful ordeal. However, the pain you feel is caused by the infection in your tooth and a root canal eliminates your pain and can save your tooth structure. Thanks to local anesthetic used to numb your tooth, getting a root canal is usually painless!
There are 15 million root canal procedures done every year in the United States, so you are not alone! Although you may be tempted to ignore a painful tooth, it’s important to address the problem sooner than later so you don’t lose the tooth altogether.
If you’re anxious about getting a root canal, you can request sedation dentistry options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), IV sedation, or other anesthesia. After the tooth’s nerves have been removed, it will no longer be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures and the pain typically dissipates.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure that cleans out the decay inside your tooth’s pulp and root. Teeth have an enamel layer on the outside, a second layer of dentin, and a soft inside core (dental pulp) that extends into the root. The pulp is composed of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When decay gets into the soft core, the pulp can become inflamed or infected and a root canal is needed to clean out the decay.
What Are the Signs You Might Need a Root Canal?
First and foremost, only your dentist can tell you if you need a root canal. The following symptoms are outlined to encourage you to contact Dr. Angela SW. Evanson, DDS right away when you have pain.
Continuous Pain
Continuous tooth pain is a sign that you may need a root canal. The pain in your tooth might bother you all the time, or it might periodically go away, but will return. Tooth pain may be caused by other problems besides needing a root canal, that’s why it’s important to make an appointment with Dr. Evanson as soon as possible.
Some other causes for tooth pain include:
- Gum disease
- A cavity
- Referred pain from a sinus infection
- A damaged filling
- An impacted tooth that may be infected
No matter what the reason for your pain, early diagnosis and treatment for tooth pain typically offers a better the outcome.
Sensitivity to Heat and Cold
If your tooth hurts when you drink something hot or cold, it may be an indication that the blood vessels and nerves in your tooth are infected or damaged, especially if this pain lingers for an extended period of time.
Pain When You Touch the Tooth
Tooth sensitivity when you touch it could indicate severe tooth decay or nerve damage, which may need to be treated with a root canal. This is especially the case if the sensitivity persists over time and doesn’t go away.
Regular Dental Appointments Are Crucial
Although pain is a classic symptom when identifying the need for a root canal, many teeth that require root canal treatment cause no pain. That is another reason it’s important to see Dr. Evanson for regular cleanings and examinations.
In addition to root canal treatments, Dr. Evanson also offers family dental services for patients in Parker and the neighboring communities of Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, and Lone Tree. Call our office at (720) 409-0008 or contact us online to set up an appointment.
Although the term “root canal” connotes fear in some people, the dental procedure vanquishes pain. Almost all people feel better shortly after treatment, so call us today if you’re in pain!
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