When is a Root Canal Recommended?

Looking for more information on root canal therapy? Root canals are special dental procedures that are necessary in order to save and restore one's oral health. While they do have a reputation for being painful, current dental technology has allowed for an easy, painless procedure. Keep reading to learn when a root canal may be recommended by a general dentist. 

About root canals

General dentists often perform root canals on their patients to save a damaged tooth, which requires them to thoroughly clean and seal the tooth. Once the tooth is treated, dental crowns are often used to give the tooth back its strength. 

According to Medical News Today, the name of the dental procedure commonly referred to as a root canal is actually endodontic therapy, which means inside of the tooth. The root canal refers to the interior chamber of a tooth, which houses the roots and nerves, both of which are sensitive and essential for a tooth to function properly. 

When root canals are necessary

Root canal procedures are necessary when there is a bad infection in a tooth. Once a tooth becomes infected, immediate treatment is needed. However, if it is not provided, the pulp and the nerves of the tooth become compromised. This requires a general dentist to remove the infected pulp from the tooth in order to save the tooth, also known as a root canal. 

A general dentist may recommend a root canal if other restoration options are not sufficient enough. For example, fillings or crowns may not be strong enough to remove and restore the tooth. 

Indicators

While most people know that they are experiencing a tooth problem that requires dental treatment, some people do not realize that they are in need of root canal treatment in order to save one of their teeth. This makes it essential for everyone to understand some of the more common signs associated with the need to undergo root canal therapy. These signs include tooth sensitivity problems, a chipped tooth, a cracked tooth, experiencing pain when eating, swollen gums, a darkening of a tooth and deep decay.

Other things to note

Many people do not realize that they are in need of root canal therapy or they wait too long to be treated, which will result in a need to undergo an emergency root canal procedure. Emergency root canals are commonly performed on people who are experiencing unbearable pain. Typically, those who do not make regular dental checkups often experience a need for a root canal as a result of a lack of dental attention. Additionally, those that are too afraid to have a root canal after being diagnosed may put the procedure off, which can result in an emergency need.

Find out more

Now that it is understood when a root canal is recommended, those who are in need of treatment can take the next step. To learn more, reach out today. 

Request an appointment here: https://www.guyrobertsdds.com or call Dr. Guy F. Roberts, DDS, PLLC at (206) 324-9877 for an appointment in our Seattle office.

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