If you are having a lot of pain around a tooth or is very sensitive to hot or cold, you might need a root canal. At Lovett Dental Jersey Village, we can take the mystery and fear out of root canals. They can often be completed in one visit, two at the most, and you will be pain-free in very little time. Our board-certified endodontists use the latest technology and techniques to make it as painless as possible. Call 281-890-5002 today to get an appointment if you are having a lot of tooth pain. We can fix almost any pain issue.
What Is a Root Canal?
Teeth are a living part of your body. There are different levels. The inner level is called pulp and contains blood vessels and nerves. When this becomes inflamed due to infection, you will have pain. A root canal is a way to restore and save the natural tooth structure, as opposed to pulling the tooth.
During a root canal, the pulp is removed from the root structure. That area is filled in and sealed. This needs a little time to settle. After a few days, you return for a second visit, and a crown is put in place, and your tooth is restored.
Why Root Canals May Be Needed
There are several reasons you might need a root canal, as many things can cause this area of the inner tooth to become infected. One common cause is deep decay or having several procedures done on a tooth over time. A tooth can also become cracked due to an injury, allowing bacteria to get inside the pulp. Sometimes problems are hard to diagnose. A small crack can be hard to find, for instance. Pain can come and go, which also complicates the diagnosis. If left untreated, the tooth will only get worse. It can lead to an abscess, and in some cases, can spread the infection to other parts of your body.
Symptoms to Be On the Lookout For
Pain in the tooth is the greatest indicator that there is a problem. Sensitivity to hot or cold is also an indicator but may not be related to a root problem. If the sensitivity to hot or cold remains for a long time after the source is gone, that could indicate a root canal is needed.
Here are some more symptoms to look for:
- Severe pain when chewing
- Swollen and tender gums
- Pimples on the gums
- Chipped or cracked teeth.
- Large decay or discoloration of the gums.
Apprehension About the Procedure
There may be some apprehension when your dentist tells you a root canal treatment is needed. A lot of advances have been made, and there is no need to fear. A local deadening of the area should keep you from having too much pain during the procedure. Some minor precautions will keep the pain down until your second visit to put the crown on the tooth. Once the procedure is done, your tooth will work and feel normal, and you won’t have any more pain.
Here are four solid reasons to get a root canal:
- Better chewing
- A normal sensation when chewing or biting
- Preserves your natural appearance
- Keeps other teeth from having extra strain
End Tooth Pain with Lovett Dental Jersey Village Today
If you are having pain in a tooth, give us a call at Lovett Dental Jersey Village, 281-890-5002, or contact us online. We will examine your teeth and come up with a plan to have you smiling and pain-free again. That plan may include a root canal. Rest assured that our staff is highly trained, and we have the latest technology and techniques to make sure your root canal is done correctly.