Dental Tips: Signs That You Need Root Canal Treatment

A root canal treatment is a dental procedure that has historically caused some fear in dental patients who learn they need one.

It is considered one of the most daunting dental treatments, and the media often portray it as a painful and gruelling procedure that must be avoided.

But the quiet truth about root canal treatment is that it is not to be feared. It is neither as time-consuming or painful as it is often portrayed.

Root canal treatment is usually painless, relieving the sometimes awful pain of an infected tooth.

Root canals are an effective and useful technique for treating an infected tooth. They not only save teeth from eventual extraction, but they can also save you pain and money.

Root canal treatments are more accessible and comfortable if completed before the underlying issue becomes serious.

Consequently, Captivate Dental would like to share a couple of early signs and symptoms you should look for.

If you have any symptoms or signs, visit Captivate Dental and discuss a root canal treatment.

What is a Root Canal?

“Root canal” is the name of the inner chamber of the tooth and the dental treatment used to restore a tooth filled with infected material.

The root canal of a tooth contains blood vessels and nerves. The nerves of an adult tooth sense cold, heat, pressure, and other stimuli.

If a root canal becomes infected, the pulp, blood vessels, and nerves need to be removed.

Damage Requiring Root Canal Treatment

Several types of damage might call for root canal treatment.

Decay. This is issue number one! Suppose one tooth has decay that reaches through its outer enamel. In that case, it can cause pain in the root canals of that tooth—this is why Captivate Dental is so severe about at-home oral hygiene and regularly scheduled visits to our office.

Damaged teeth. Cracked, broken, or chipped teeth can lead to pain and damage requiring a root canal, as they can give bacteria access to the inner tooth.

Repeated procedures. Repeated dental procedures in the same area of a tooth can cause pain and decay that requires a root canal treatment.

Five indications it’s time to see a dentist for a root canal treatment

Temperature sensitivity. Hot drinks like tea and coffee or cold beverages such as iced soda shouldn’t cause regular pain.

If your daily cup of hot or cold drink causes pain, you should see us at Captivate Dental.

In general, sensitivity to cold drinks is not as severe as sensitivity to hot beverages, but if you have either sensitivity, you should call us!

Pain. Pain is your body’s method of alerting you to a problem, which also applies to your teeth.

Pain can be the 1st sign that something is wrong with your tooth’s pulp or root.

If the daily activities we have mentioned here, such as drinking, eating, and even, in some cases, just breathing in cold air, cause you pain, it’s time to call Captivate Dental.

Our examination may show that a cavity has caused the nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth to become infected or even started to destroy the pulp. In this case, Captivate Dental may have to perform a root canal.

Broken tooth. This common accident calls for a root canal, particularly if nerve exposure or infection occurs.

Failing to treat an infected tooth can lead to eventual tooth loss or infection entering the bloodstream, causing multiple health issues, even including death.

Swelling. If the gum area around your tooth is swollen, this could indicate problems below the surface. A comprehensive examination is required to determine if you need a root canal.

Pimples, sores, or lumps on the gum above a tooth. Pus may drain from a pimple, producing a foul odour or flavour.

Other general symptoms include:

• Bad breath
• Fever
• Red or swollen gums
• Sinus pressure/pain
• Swollen neck glands
• Difficulty opening mouth

If you have any of the conditions or symptoms listed above, you may be a candidate for a root canal procedure. A quick call to Captivate Dental is the best choice for your continued dental health.

Root Canal Treatment in Cheltenham

Captivate Dental is conveniently located near Kingston City Hall and Cheltenham Station in Cheltenham.

We give our patients the highest quality care and give them what they need to make informed choices.

Our competent, caring staff provides value through excellent diagnostic skills and efficient use of the best quality materials.

Captivate Dental offers various preventative and cosmetic dental treatments for patients of all kinds!

Call us at (03) 9553 1249, visit us online, or use our convenient online booking page.

We are located at 36 Chesterville Road in Cheltenham.