Root Canal Therapy
Some common dental treatments may include a filling or getting braces. However, few can be as intimidating as root canal therapy. This is due to the suspected pain during the procedure. In reality, it is a pretty standard procedure that dentists are experienced in handling with care and precision, significantly limiting the discomfort patients feel.
Root canal therapy is necessary when the pulp of a patient’s tooth has become infected or damaged. Within the pulp you will find nerves and blood vessels, thus allowing the patient to often experience significant pain prior to the procedure.
The Damage
The tooth pulp can be infected with bacteria for a number of reasons, but what it primarily comes down to is an opening that has been created to the center cavity of your tooth where the pulp is located. This opening can be created from tooth decay, a crack or chip in the tooth, or even large fillings.
Signs & Symptoms
There are several signs that may show up indicating you may need root canal therapy. Review these symptoms to discover if you should contact our Lethbridge dental clinic to book a consultation:
- Severe tooth pain when applying pressure, biting down, or chewing
- Tender or swollen gums around the affected area
- Discolored tooth
- Extended sensitivity when exposing that area to hot or cold foods or drinks
- You notice pimples reoccurring on your gums
These are just some of the symptoms you may encounter. It is also important to note that just because you experience these symptoms does not mean you necessarily have a root canal. Likewise, you may still be in need of root canal therapy even if you are not experiencing all of these symptoms. For that reason, it is always a good idea to visit your dentist every six months to not only detect, but to avoid the risk of developing these types of dental issues.