Root Canals: Don’t Miss These Common Signs
When patients experience excessive tooth pain or swollen gums, they often worry if they will need the dreaded root canal. In fact, simply the thought of going to a Phoenix dental clinic for an exam of the affected tooth can strike fear and anxiety in many people, which can make them put off necessary dental treatment. Aesthetic Dentistry of Arrowhead, a top-rated Phoenix cosmetic dentist, strongly encourages patients to seek dental help for ongoing tooth pain, despite their anxiety, to avoid turning their toothache into a more complicated issue. If you are concerned that a root canal is the solution to your tooth trouble, here are a few common signs that indicate you are probably right.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is needed when a tooth is experiencing infection or disease. The pulp inside the affected tooth root has become infected, and thus must be cleaned out using the root canal procedure. After the dentist scrapes out the infected pulp, they will clean and shape the inside of your root canal, and then fill it, seal it, and finish with a crown placed on top of the tooth. Ideally, your tooth will return to its original function with no further issues or complications.
If you avoid a root canal procedure, the infected tooth can get worse and turn into an abscess, which can lead to infection and inflammation throughout the body. At that point, you need antibiotics to kill the infection, and then a tooth procedure afterward to clean out the mess. It is better to just face your anxiety and go see the local Glendale family dentistry clinic for an exam.
While there is much dread and anxiety surrounding root canals due to the fear of it being extremely painful, the opposite is actually true. Dentists use plenty of local anesthetic and appropriate levels of sedation to ensure the procedure is painless and smooth. Additionally, remember that the procedure is used to alleviate your tooth pain, not create more. The sooner you can address the issue, the healthier your teeth and mouth will be in the long run.
If you still prefer to avoid a root canal at any cost, you must understand that a full tooth extraction is the only alternative to relieving the damage and pain. Root canals can actually save the structure of the natural tooth and avoid needing to extract it and fully replace it, but ultimately the decision is left entirely to your preference.
What Are the Signs that I Need a Root Canal?
The most common sign indicating that a root canal is needed is consistent pain and sensitivity that is centralized to one tooth. Other signs include:
– Sensitivity that continues to linger after the stimulus has been removed
– Drainage from a specific tooth
– Tooth discoloration, specifically a greyish-black appearance
– Toothache in the bone area surrounding the bad tooth
– Toothache when chewing or applying any pressure to your tooth
– Gum swelling or soreness
If you are experiencing any of these signs, it is extremely important to schedule a visit with your Phoenix dentist right away. They are trained professionals and will be able to determine if a root canal procedure is needed by looking at your tooth and performing a few simple tests.
Aesthetic Dentistry of Arrowhead
Of course, the best way to avoid needing a root canal is to schedule consistent visits with a Phoenix preventive dentistry clinic. However, we understand that not everyone has that opportunity, so if you feel you may need a root canal due to some of the signs listed above, contact Dr. Ceyhan at Aesthetic Dentistry of Arrowhead today. Dr. Ceyhan and his team are extremely knowledgeable, and carry an excellent reputation for competent, skillful dentistry work. Aesthetic Dentistry is committed to educating patients alongside caring for them, and always have their long-term, best interest in mind with the work done on their teeth. Call us today at (623) 979-1515 to schedule an appointment!
17100 N 67th Ave, Suite 500
Glendale, Arizona 85308
Phone: (623) 979-1515
Fax: (623) 878-1811
Office Hours: Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm
Website: https://www.drgregceyhan.com
