When is a Root Canal Needed?

When is a Root Canal Needed?

What your dentists in Charlotte want you to knowroot canal

How do you know if you need a root canal? That’s an important question. The only way to know for sure if a root canal is necessary is to visit your dentist for testing and an x-ray. You may notice a few signs and symptoms, which should prompt you to seek out your dentist. Dr. Susan Hockaday and Dr. Jim Baucom in Charlotte, NC, want to share the facts about when you might need root canal treatment.

The truth is you may need a root canal and not even know it. That’s because sometimes teeth can begin to die without any painful symptoms. The only sign you might see is the tooth becoming darker compared to the teeth next to it.

Other times you may experience acute symptoms like these:

  • Chronic pain even after a filling is placed
  • Continuous throbbing, aching, or pressure
  • Sharp, stabbing pain when you chew
  • Throbbing pain after you drink or eat hot or cold beverages or foods

You may also notice an elevated bump on your gums which appears red or white near a tooth root. The bump may have blood or pus draining from it. This is an obvious sign of a dental abscess or infection.

So, what causes you to need a root canal? Your tooth has several layers, enamel, dentin, and pulp. Each layer is softer than the one above it, with pulp being the softest layer. The pulp also contains the blood and nerve supply to your tooth.

When the pulp becomes damaged from trauma, decay, or other causes, your tooth begins to die. You may experience painful symptoms, or you may not. Your dentist will take x-rays of the roots of your tooth and do pulp and temperature testing to determine if you need a root canal.

A dental exam and x-rays are vitally important in finding out if you need a root canal, which is why you should visit your dentist at the first sign of trouble. Don’t wait until your dental pain gets worse.

To find out more about root canal therapy and other restorative, cosmetic, and preventive services, call Dr. Hockaday and Dr. Baucom in Charlotte, NC. If you are experiencing dental pain, pick up your phone and call today!