Root canal treatment is one of the most common procedures in modern dentistry. However, there is a lot of misinformation surrounding it. Many patients become anxious when they learn they have to undergo this procedure… when the truth is that dentists perform it every day with excellent results. This treatment allows them to treat the pulp of your tooth when it becomes infected, inflamed, and/or diseased—saving it from extraction. In this article, you will find 8 reasons why you may need root canal treatment near you.
1. An infected tooth
One of the most common causes of root canal treatment is infected teeth as a result of tooth decay. In these cases, the pulp of the tooth becomes infected and a dentist must drill a hole into the tooth to take out all of the pulp to prevent further damage. Once this is done, they disinfect the area, fill the root and seal the tooth to prevent further decay. If necessary, a crown is set to strengthen the tooth. This is why it is important to schedule regular checkups with a dentist near you, who can see signs of decay early on and treat it before this type of procedure is ever necessary.
2. A chipped tooth
If you have chipped a tooth either by eating something very hard or because of excessive trauma, the nerves inside of your tooth may be exposed. In this case, you might need root canal treatment to preserve this dental piece. As soon as you realize that your tooth is chipped, visit a dental clinic near you to seek proper care.
3. Pain that won’t go away
Sometimes, when you have a persistent toothache, it might be a sign that you need root canal treatment in Port Moody. You should abstain from self-medicating with pain relievers that mask the problem and instead seek help before the condition worsens.
4. Your tooth is dying
Sometimes, as a result of leaving a tooth infection untreated, the tissues start to die and the symptoms worsen. When this happens, the dentist will have to perform a root canal procedure to eliminate all of the dead tissue and prevent any further decay.
5. Your gums are swollen
If your gums are swollen, it could be a sign that the infection in the tooth has passed now to the gums and this is not something to take lightly. An infection of the gums can affect its tissues, so if you have any bumps or inflammation in your gums, immediately visit a dentist in Port Moody who can assess you.
6. Your teeth are very sensitive
Tooth sensitivity is a very unpleasant feeling. In some cases, it is so severe that no other treatments work. If you have tried everything and desensitizing toothpaste is not enough to relieve you of your pain, your dentist might suggest a root canal to extract the nerve and eliminate all of the pain. This is a permanent solution.
7. Your teeth have become discoloured
If you notice that your teeth have become discoloured and have a grayish colour to them, you should visit your dentist. We all know that some foods and drinks can discolour your teeth but this happens over time. If the discolouration happens quickly, then you may have a pulp infection that has affected the tooth’s nerve and blood vessels. In this case, you will need root canal treatment.
8. If you want to keep your natural teeth
Dental implants are always an option, but if you want to preserve your natural teeth, then root canal treatment is the way to go. Your dentist in Port Moody will always suggest root canal therapy to patients who are eligible as opposed to extraction.