When a tooth is severely damaged or decayed, a root canal could be your last chance of saving it. With a root canal, you can potentially avoid having your tooth removed or have it replaced with a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture. Of course, it can be challenging to know how badly your tooth is damaged until it is too late. So, how do you know when a root canal is needed? Read on to learn more about this procedure and some signs that it might be necessary.
What is a Root Canal?
The tooth root is the innermost part of your tooth that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue to anchor it into the jaw. The root canal is the name of the cavity in which the tooth root resides, and it’s also the name of the dental procedure used to fix a severely damaged or infected tooth.
In some cases, the tooth root and the root pulp that surrounds it can become infected. This usually occurs because of advanced tooth decay, gum disease, or a fractured tooth. This allows bacteria to enter the root canal, where it can be difficult to remove. When that happens, the infected tooth is in a great deal of danger. A bacterial infection can kill the tooth root and root pulp, causing it to break down. Once the root and pulp are sufficiently damaged, the tooth will die and eventually fall out.
In a root canal procedure, the infected root and pulp tissue are removed and replaced with a dental resin similar to that used for fillings. After a root canal, your tooth will no longer have any feeling, but it will function normally, and the infection won’t be able to spread to other areas.
Do You Need a Root Canal?
If you are having any or all of the following symptoms, it’s a good idea to speak to a dentist as soon as possible:
- Severe pain in the tooth
- Discoloration of the tooth
- Pain during chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that persists when the source has been removed
- Swelling of the gums near the affected tooth
- Boils or spots on the gums at the base of the affected tooth
While many of these symptoms can be associated with multiple oral health issues, visiting the dentist for a checkup will help narrow down the cause. If you have an infected tooth root, a quick X-ray will usually be able to identify it. The important thing to remember is that any time you have tooth pain, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible so that any issues can be identified and your treatment can begin. If you wait too long, your infection could progress, and you could lose your tooth forever!
Root Canal Dentist in Chicago
If you do need a root canal, it’s important that you have an experienced dentist to perform the procedure correctly. If all the infected material is not removed, the infection could return and cause you problems in the future. At American Dental, we have performed countless root canal procedures, giving our patients relief from their symptoms and preventing them from having to get a dental implant. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, call us at (773) 284-1645 or schedule online to speak with a root canal dentist in Chicago.