When is a Root Canal Needed?

When is a Root Canal Needed?

Root CanalCould your aching tooth be restored by this endodontic procedure?

Have our Glenview, IL, dentists, Dr. Alexander Quezada and Dr. David Lewis Jr., told you that you need a root canal? If so, you may be wanting to do as much research as possible to find out more about this procedure and why it’s necessary. You may even have questions, which we would be happy to answer for you. Here is everything you need to know about your upcoming dental procedure.

Why do I need a root canal?

Beneath the hard enamel and dentin layers of a tooth lies an inner structure known as the dental pulp. The pulp is made up of connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. Are you experiencing a toothache? This could just be because the bacteria have spread to the dental pulp, causing it to become inflamed and resulting in a toothache.

Once the pulp is inflamed or infected the only course of action that can be taken is for our Glenview, IL, dentist to remove the pulp as soon as possible. This is where a root canal comes in. During your root canal we will drill into the tooth (don’t worry; we will numb the area prior so you won’t feel discomfort) and then carefully remove the pulp.

From there, we will disinfect the inside of the tooth to remove any bacteria that is left. Once that is complete, it’s time to start restoring the tooth. A special material will be used to fill the root canals (to prevent another infection), as well as the inside of the tooth (to re-strengthen and stabilize it). From there, our dentist will determine whether a filling or a crown will need to be placed over the tooth to restore it.

What are the warning signs that I might need a root canal?

It’s important that you understand what’s going on with your oral health so that you can take action when it’s necessary. Sure, some problems won’t cause symptoms at all, so you may not even know that anything is going on. This is why those routine checkups with your dentist every six months are crucial, even if you think everything feels fine and dandy. Only a dentist can detect early signs of decay, gum disease, and infection.

Of course, you should call us right away if you experience,

  • Dental pain (no matter how minimal)
  • Pain that appears or gets worse when chewing or biting down
  • Swollen, red, or tender gums surrounding the tooth
  • Sudden tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
  • Darkening of the tooth
  • A bump or pimple-like growth on the gums near the tooth (a sign of infection)

If you are dealing with dental pain or if there are other changes in your oral health it’s a good idea to turn to our Glenview, IL, dental team to find out what’s going on. Call Colonial Dental Group and let us know what’s going on and we will get you in to see our dentist as soon as possible.