Dental Tips: Signs That You Need Root Canal Treatment

A root canal treatment is a dental procedure that has historically created a bit of 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.

In fact, a root canal treatment is usually painless, and it takes away the sometimes-awful pain of an infected tooth.

It is an effective and useful technique for treating an infected tooth. Root canals not only save teeth from eventual extraction, but it can also save you pain and money down the road.

Root canal treatments are easier and more comfortable to perform if they are completed before the underlying issue becomes serious.

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

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

What is a Root Canal?

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

The root canal in the tooth contains blood vessels and nerves. In an adult tooth, that tooth’s nerves 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! If one tooth has decay that reaches through its outer enamel, it can cause pain in the root canals of that tooth — this why Captivate Dental is so serious about at-home oral hygiene and regularly schedule 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 drinks such an iced soda, shouldn’t cause regular pain.

If your daily cup of hot or cold drink leads to pain, it’s time to see us at Captivate Dental.

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

Pain. Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong, and this is true for your teeth as well.

Pain can be the first sign that there is something wrong with the pulp or root of your tooth.

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 is a common accident calling for a root canal, particularly if there is nerve exposure or infection.

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 be a sign of problems below the surface. A thorough exam is necessary to see if you need a root canal.

Pimples, sores, or bumps on the gum above the tooth. Pus may drain from a pimple and lead to bad smell or unpleasant taste.

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. The best choice for your continued dental health is a quick call to Captivate Dental.

More about Root Canal Treatments at Captivate Dental

Complete dental care at Captivate Dental!

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

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 a wide variety of preventative and cosmetic dental treatment for patients of all kinds!

We are open Monday to Friday from 8:30AM to 5:30PM.

Cheltenham dentist also serving local communities in Bentleigh, Highett, Hampton East, Cheltenham and Brighton East.

GAP FREE Promotions for our New Patients

No Gap Initial Examination, Clean, Fluoride treatment and 2x X-rays for all Private Health Insurance Dental coverage.

Call us on (03) 9553 1249. Visit us on the web, or use our convenient online booking page.

We are located at 36 Chesterville Road in Cheltenham.