Root Canal Awareness Week is here, and it’s an important time for everyone to understand the signs that you may need a root canal. It’s always best to catch these signs as early as possible, so that you can get the procedure done more quickly, minimizing your risk of further pain or damage to the affected tooth. Get informed on root canals today, and learn what signs to look out for!

How Tooth Decay Affects the Mouth

Tooth decay, also known as dental caries, is caused by bacteria in your mouth that create a biofilm on the surface of teeth. The bacteria feed on sugar and starches, creating an acidic environment that breaks down tooth enamel and causes cavities. If left untreated, the bacteria can penetrate deeper into the inner layer of the tooth. This layer is the dentin, causing an infection that can spread to the root of the tooth. This requires a root canal procedure.

Signs You Need a Root Canal

If you’re experiencing any of the following signs or symptoms, it could be time for a root canal:

• Persistent toothache or pain when eating, drinking, or chewing
• Sensitivity to hot and cold liquids
• Visible gum inflammation
• Darkening of the affected tooth

Root Canal Awareness Week: How to Tell When You Need One

One of the most common signs indicating you may need a root canal is intense, throbbing tooth pain. This can be caused by an infection in the root of the affected tooth. It often gets worse when chewing or consuming cold or hot food. If this happens to you, it’s important to contact your dentist right away so they can assess the situation.

Other signs that may indicate you need a root canal include discoloration of the affected tooth, persistent soreness or tenderness in the area of your mouth near the affected tooth, and swollen gums around the affected tooth. If any of these symptoms sound familiar to you, it’s important to visit your dentist to get checked out.

Root Canal Awareness Week reminds everyone that early detection of potential root canal issues is important. It can help reduce the amount of pain and discomfort you may experience. Make sure you know what signs to look out for, and if any are present, don’t hesitate to make an appointment.

When a Filling Won’t Work

In some cases, a root canal procedure may be necessary even if you already had a filling. If your dentist determines that the infection has spread too deep, they will likely recommend a root canal. It’s also possible that a previous filling isn’t able to sufficiently protect the affected tooth against future decay. Therefore, a root canal may be necessary.

It’s normal to feel anxious when considering a root canal procedure, but it’s important to remember that it is often an effective way to restore your oral health and prevent further damage to your teeth.

Root Canal Awareness Week: What to Expect During Treatment

If your dentist does recommend a root canal for you, it is important to understand what the procedure entails. During the procedure, your dentist will remove the infected pulp from within the tooth. Then they will clean and seal it in order to prevent any further infection or decay. This is done under local anesthesia, so you should feel no pain during the procedure.

Once the root canal has been completed, your dentist will likely recommend a crown to protect the treated tooth against future damage. You may need to come back for follow-up appointments with your dentist in order to ensure that everything is healing properly.

Root Canal Awareness Week is a great opportunity to take charge of your dental health and make sure you know the signs that you may need a root canal procedure. With proper care and early detection, you can minimize your risk of pain or damage to your teeth. Talk to your dentist today about any questions or concerns you might have!

Make an Appointment with Mountain Aire Dentistry

If you think you may need a root canal, or if you want to learn more about the procedure, contact Mountain Aire Dentistry today. We offer comprehensive dental care in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, and our experienced team of professionals can answer any questions you have about your dental health. Contact us today to learn more!