Root canals, also called endodontic procedures, are the modern way to save a tooth that is painful or badly diseased. They are nothing to be afraid of, because with todays modern techniques and materials, your root canal treatment can be more comfortable than you ever thought possible.
Why might I need a root canal?A root canal may be needed because there is some damage or infection to the inside of your tooth, in an area called the pulp chamber. The pulp chamber is where the blood and nerve supply of your tooth is. The pulp of your tooth can become damaged from a traumatic injury to your teeth, or from deep decay that has reached the pulp chamber.
-Acute, sharp pain when you bite down-Throbbing pain and pressure in your mouth-Continuous pain after youve eaten hot or cold foods-Redness, swelling, or a white bump on your gums at the tooth root-Pus or drainage from your gums at the tooth root
You may not have any pain or noticeable symptoms and still need a root canal. The only way you can find out for certain if you need a root canal is visiting your dentist. Your dentist can take x-rays to look for a dark area (radiolucency) at the tip of the tooth root. Pulp testing can also be done to test for temperature sensitivity, one of the hallmarks of needing a root canal, and tooth vitality.