If you have been suffering from a lot of toothaches lately, you’ll need to visit your dentist to get to the bottom of the issue. Normally, toothache is a result of tooth decay. When the decay is particularly severe, you may need to have a root canal.
What exactly is a root canal? It is a procedure in which the decayed tissue is removed from around the tooth. In some cases, even the nerve has to be removed. This may sound like an extreme treatment, but the procedure is carried out on a daily basis by many dentists.
Root canals are the best way to deal with these symptoms and to heal any infection that might have started under a tooth. The procedure is nothing to be worried about. You’ll be under a local anesthetic, so you don’t have to worry about feeling any pain at all. The dentist will then open your tooth, usually at the crown to scoop out all the decayed tissue. They’ll then seal up your tooth. All done!
Still not sure that a root canal is the right procedure for you? Here are three reasons why it might be.
Eating Hot And Cold Foods Is Uncomfortable
A mild toothache is often nothing to worry about. However, acute pain is a sign that you may require treatment. Some other symptoms go along with a toothache that will signal a dangerous infection in the teeth. These include an extreme sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks. The pain can be tough to deal with while you eat. A root canal will quickly sort this out.
Discolored Teeth
One sign that a tooth is decaying is if it turns a dark color. That’s because all the infected tissue within the tooth will be dying and becoming darker. A root canal will take all of this decayed tissue out of your tooth, and your tooth will return to its natural color.
Your Gums Are Swelling
Sometimes, small pimples will develop around the base of a tooth. Not only this, though, but your gums could also suffer from swelling. This is just how they are reacting to the infection in your gums. It is a sign that you might need a root canal. Once you do have the procedure, the swelling, along with the infection, will go away.
Still not too keen for a root canal? If you don’t have one, you will only get into more pain as the infection worsens. In the worse case scenario, you might end up losing teeth. As you can see, the root canal won’t be as bad as what might happen if you don’t have one!
If you don’t want to get into a situation in which you need a root canal, there are some steps you can take to protect your teeth. Make sure you brush with fluoride toothpaste regularly. And try to see your dentist at least twice a year. That way, you’ll have happy and healthy teeth!
