The word “root canal” doesn’t sound that pleasant, does it? But do you know what a root canal actually is? When a tooth is badly decayed or infected, a dentist will remove the nerve and surrounding tooth pulp that is in the canal of your tooth.
Root canals are vital in preventing the complete loss of your tooth and stopping the infection to spread throughout your mouth and the rest of your body. That being said, you should be aware of some symptoms that might indicate the need for this procedure:
- Pain : Toothaches aren’t always a sign of something serious, but you should definitely visit a dentist if you’re experiencing persistent pain in your tooth. This pain can occur when chewing, eating something warm or cold, or even without doing anything with your mouth.
- Discolored gums : Healthy gums are a good pinkish-red color. If your tooth becomes infected and starts decaying, you might find that your gums have started to darken, which means your gums have also started to decay.
- Broken tooth : Aside from the fact that a broken tooth likely caused you a lot of pain and stress in the moment, it might have also caused some deeper problems. A tooth injury can damage the nerves of your tooth, which can make them inflamed. Inflammation can be the trigger for infections and decay, so you should visit a dentist as soon as possible to save the rest of your tooth.
If you need a root canal, come visit us at the office of Kenneth R. Russell DDS today.