You May Not Know you Need Root Canal Therapy

Any tooth needing a root canal can be painful. But sometimes, when the infection is so advanced that even the nerve is damaged, you may not feel any pain at all. For this reason, you may need a root canal without knowing it.

What is root canal therapy?

Also known in the dental world as endodontic treatment, root canal therapy is a procedure which results in the removal of infection from the root of the affected tooth. When the tissue deep inside a tooth called the pulp is infected, this is known as pulpitis.

Root canal therapy is a process in which a specialized oral surgeon will carefully drill a hole in the top of your tooth to gain access to the pulp inside. Once the infected pulp has been cleared, the surgeon will then sterilize the area and seal the space with filling material.

There can be many causes for the infection of the root. Teeth that have experienced physical trauma or are subjected to an extended period of poor oral hygiene are most susceptible. This is why it is important to always make an appointment with your dentist if any known damage happens to your teeth, and never miss a dental cleaning.

How can I benefit from a root canal?

After other tooth-saving methods have been unsuccessful, a root canal is usually the next best course of action. Root canals are a sort of last-ditch effort to save your natural tooth from extraction.

If you are worried about pain during the procedure, fear not! Modern dentistry methods are focused on the comfort of the patient during any dental treatment. The oral surgeon will apply a local anesthetic to make sure you do not feel pain.

Cost is a plus when it comes to this popular procedure. Since root canals can save your natural tooth, you can then avoid tooth extraction. Tooth extractions and the subsequent replacements that come with them can be costly, far more so than a simple, straightforward root canal.

Damaged teeth may not be causing you pain

When a tooth is inflamed to the point of needing a root canal, it is usually painful. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes, the root is so damaged that the infection has reached the nerve. Once this happens, the nerve starts to slowly die and become ineffective. A dead nerve means no pain is felt in that area.

For this reason, there may be a big problem even if you do not feel a toothache. Never ignore tooth injuries, even if the pain subsides.

In conclusion

Scheduling a dental cleaning and exam every six months will not only keep your teeth sparkly but will also alert your dentist to any issues. These exams are extremely important, as they can also identify any unknown problems like root infection.

A root canal might sound scary, but remember, this procedure is actually meant to alleviate pain and clear infection. It has the potential to save your natural tooth and restore the functionality of your bite.

Whether you have a toothache or not, do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dentist today to find out if you need root canal treatment.

Request an appointment here: https://www.titandentalcare.com or call Titan Dental Care at (703) 745-3227 for an appointment in our Sterling office.

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