A root canal is a procedure in which the dentist makes a small hole in an infected tooth and removes the tooth pulp, which often consists of blood vessels and nerve endings. Effectively, the procedure ‘deadens’ the tooth and thereby removes the discomfort you have felt.

So the channels within the tooth are filled in with gutta-percha (a resin type) so the tooth is not left hollow and weak. It is sealed with another form of resin after the hole is filled (similar to what is used for a cavity) so that nothing can enter the tooth after the root canal. Based your dental background, the dentist may or may not agree on a dental crown, depending on the tooth in question.

How to know if you need a root canal?

A few things can help you determine whether or not you need a root canal. First, if you have a tooth significantly more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures than your other teeth, it may be a sign that you need a root canal. Second, if you have pain in your tooth when you bite down, this may also be an indication that a root canal is necessary. Finally, if you see visible decay or damage to your tooth, it is possible that you will need a root canal to save the tooth. If you are unsure whether or not you need a root canal, it is always best to consult your dentist to get their professional opinion.

Signs that indicate that you need a root canal

#1 Persistent pain: If it hurts to put pressure on your tooth over several weeks, whenever you eat, it is not natural and should be tested.

#2 Hot or cold sensitivity: If drinking hot coffee or tea is causing toothache, this indicates that you have a problem. Similarly, it hurts when you eat or drink something cold, and/or you avoid using cold items on one side of your mouth because it causes toothache. This is a prolific symptom that indicates that you need a root canal.

#3 Tooth discoloration: Pale/discolored teeth may not necessarily need a root canal. Sometimes it may be due to poor oral hygiene or due to regularly consuming or drinking foods that are known to cause darkening of the teeth (such as coffee, alcohol, certain spices, etc.), but if the discoloration is limited to a single tooth, such symptoms mean that nerve or blood vessel damage has occurred and you should contact your dentist.

#4 Broken or chipped tooth: This may come by playing sports, constantly eating very hard or crunchy foods, or any variety of items, and so if a tooth has been chipped or broken, it needs to be replaced. Bacteria can get inside the tooth easily and cause an infection. A tooth infection can spread to the bloodstream due to the number of blood vessels in each of our teeth, producing a new set of problems! If you have a chipped or broken tooth, call your dentist immediately.

#5 Swollen gums: Anything triggers inflammation if the gums are swollen, sore, and painful. It could mean you have inflammation or something stuck in your gums, so your dentist will have it tested if it hasn’t subsided in a day or two to make sure you don’t need a root canal.

#6 Deeper decay: When decay sets in at the root of a tooth is a clear sign that you need to get a root canal. Decay will not be healed by a renewed approach to brushing or flossing. Also, something as simple as an overlooked cavity can expand and worsen to the point where it’s no longer an option to fix it, and more drastic steps are needed. If you postpone appointments for too long, a root canal can become your only real option.

Conclusion

It’s a priority for us all to keep our smiles perfect. Keeping your teeth clean can make your life significant, but frequent dental check-ups will keep your mouth clean and the rest of your body. Just as we sometimes get a cold, we may need to do dental work occasionally. Doing your best to keep your dental appointments up-to-date would go a long way to help reduce the amount of repair you need!

As a curative measure, it’s never too late to treat a root canal treatment, though. Get in touch with us, and we will get you the best root canal dentist in Oak Forest IL, for your root canal treatment.