A root canal is a dental treatment that eliminates decay from your tooth's pulp and roots. The roots of your teeth contain tiny openings called canals that hold blood vessels, nerve fibers, and connective tissue.
When dental decay gets into the canals, they get infected and inflamed. This inflammation causes severe pain and discomfort. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other teeth and other parts of your body, like the neck, head, and sinuses.
A root canal removes the decay from the pulp and prevents the infection from spreading. But when exactly do you need a root canal in Jacksonville? Well, here are some telltale signs you should get one:
Most people use OTC painkillers to manage their toothaches. However, painkillers and other analgesics won't suffice for a persistent toothache. If you're experiencing severe tooth pain that won't go away, you likely need a root canal.
Decay corrodes the enamel on your teeth, exposing the nerve endings. This explains the extreme sensitivity to hot and cold items. You should get a root canal if you feel a sharp pain when you eat ice cream or drink a hot cup of coffee. The sensitivity indicates that your tooth's roots are infected.
Discolored teeth compromise your self-confidence and indicate trauma or decay in your tooth's internal tissues. Tooth infection causes the tooth pulp to die off, giving it a grayish-black appearance. Abrupt tooth discoloration is a sign you should see your dentist immediately for a root canal. That way, they can extract the infection and prevent it from spreading to other teeth.
A loose tooth, with no signs of blunt-force trauma, is a sign of severe pulp infection. The tooth comes loose when acidic waste from dead tissue dissolves the root. If you have a loose tooth and severe pain, book an appointment for a root canal immediately. The dentist will clear the infection and help stabilize the tooth.
Recurring gum inflammation is a sign that bacteria have attacked the tooth's nerve endings and may spread to other teeth. Inflammation also causes swelling, redness, pus formation, and persistent pain in the affected area. A root canal will clear the site and stop the infection in its tracks.
An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of an infected root. Bad breath and visible pus are signs that you need a root canal to clear the infection. An untreated abscess can spread to other body parts, leading to severe complications. It's best to get root canal treatment immediately ASAP!
The earlier you get a root canal treatment, the better you can address the dental complication. It's worth noting that some of the symptoms mentioned above may not warrant a root canal. Dr. Poblenz will diagnose your condition and recommend the best treatment plan for restoring your smile. Contact JAX Dental Studio to learn more about our root canals and other restorative dentistry services.
