4 Signs You Need a Root Canal

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No one ever wants to need serious dental treatments, but sometimes they’re needed to save a tooth that’s in jeopardy of being lost. If yourdentist in Stuart, FL has recommended that you have a root canal, you should have it done as soon as possible, to help prevent the condition from worsening. Chances are, you may have experienced warning signs that something was wrong. Here are four signs you need a root canal.

1. Persistent Pain

Your tooth shouldn’t hurt, even a little bit. If you have persistent pain—chronic pain—it’s a definite sign that something’s wrong. Often, serious tooth pain doesn’t even respond to over-the-counter pain killers. You should contact your dentist for an emergency appointment if you have such a condition, and from there, the dentist may recommend a root canal.

2. Sensitivity to Hot and Cold

Another telltale sign of something amiss is sudden or lingering sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks. If you find yourself wincing every time you sip an iced tea or a hot coffee, you may need a root canal.

3. Swollen Gums

Swelling around the affected tooth, or a small bump on the gums, means that there might be an infection, and it shouldn’t be ignored. Swelling isn’t normal, so it should be reported to your dentist.

4. Tooth a Funny Color

If the tooth’s color looks “off,” it might not just be stained from certain foods. It could actually be nerve damage. In other words, the tooth may be dying. Aroot canal in Stuart, FL could help save the tooth before further deterioration occurs.

If you notice things like this going on, you could need a root canal. Of course, your dentist is the ultimate judge of what kind of treatment you need. Just don’t put off contacting the dentist if you have these symptoms.

Why Root Canals Are a Good Thing, Not Bad

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When you hear the term root canal from your Stuart, FL dentist, you may get a feeling of dread. For years, root canals have been seen as the worst possible dental treatment, invoking fear and aversion. But root canals aren’t as bad as their reputation makes them out to be. In fact, they’re actually a good thing, not bad.

Why do You Need a Root Canal?

Of course, the fact that you need a root canal isn’t good; there’s no two ways about it. Needing a root canal means that there’s an infection deep inside the tooth, where no amount of brushing, flossing or rinsing is going to reach. Still, you should be thankful that your dentist caught it during a dental exam. Otherwise, your tooth would eventually become so loose that it falls out, and no one wants that. So that’s one good thing about a root canal; it means your dentist was very astute can caught the problem before irreversible damage was done.

Benefits of a Root Canal

During the root canal process, your dentist drills down into the pulp of the tooth. Now, this part isn’t fun, but you won’t feel a thing. Between local anesthesia and sedation dentistry, you can just sit back and relax with no pain at all. You will hear the drill, but you can bring headphones if you like, and drown out the sound with relaxing music.

The benefits of a root canal means that all that infected pulp is gotten rid of. The interior of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected of all the “bad stuff.” Then a replacement filler agent is inserted, and the hole is sealed up. And that’s that! No more infection, no more pain!

So the next time you’re faced with a root canal in Stuart, FL, be glad. It means that a pretty serious dental problem is going to be solved, and your tooth can be saved!

Reasons Not to Put Off That Root Canal

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If you’re experiencing swelling and severe pain in your tooth, this could be a sign that you need a root canal. A root canal is an emergency procedure that can help save your tooth.

Only yourdentist in Stuart, FL, can tell you if you’re in need of a root canal, so it’s important to see the dentist right away when you start experiencing these symptoms. At Stuart Dentist, we’re committed to helping our patients maintain healthy teeth and gums. We offer safe root canal services for patients in need.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure that your dentist will use if you have an infected tooth. The dentist will drill into the infected tooth during the root canal and clean out the pulp.

Once all traces of infection have been removed from the tooth, your dentist will fill the tooth with sealant to prevent the infection from returning. The root canal is finished when a crown is placed over the tooth to protect the enamel from chipping and breaking.

Why Is It Important to Get Your Root Canal Right Away?

A root canal is a procedure that the dentist uses to stop an infection from spreading. Infections in the teeth can spread throughout the body, putting your organs at risk.

What Could Happen If You Put Off the Root Canal? 

If you put off the root canal, you risk the spread of the infection. If you wait too long, your dentist may be unable to save your tooth. Getting a root canal can help prevent the loss or extraction of your permanent tooth. Finally, the root canal can stop the pain. If you’re in severe pain because of your infected tooth, the root canal can stop the problem.

Think you need aroot canal in Stuart, FL? If so, call Stuart Dentist for an emergency appointment.

 

What’s a Root Canal? An FAQ  

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When you have an infection in your tooth, you need a root canal as soon as possible. Some patients are intimidated by the idea of having a root canal, but it can help to understand the process. Your dentist in Stuart FL can explain the details of a root canal and what to expect at each step of the way. Below are some of the commonly asked questions (and answers) about root canals.

What’s a Root Canal?

A root canal is an emergency dental procedure that a dentist performs when the patient has an infected tooth. To start, the dentist numbs the area around the tooth so the patient will feel no pain.

Next, the dentist drills into the tooth and scoops out the infected material inside. When the tooth is hollowed out and the infection has been eliminated, the inside of the tooth is filled with sealer. Finally, the tooth is capped with a crown to protect the weakened tooth enamel.

Who Needs a Root Canal?

A root canal is an appropriate procedure for anyone with an infected tooth. Your dentist will decide if your tooth is infected and will recommend a root canal if it’s appropriate.

What are the Signs You Need a Root Canal?

If you have an infection in your tooth, you’ll have a severe toothache. You may experience swelling in the site around the tooth and see some discoloration as well. You may experience pain when you touch the tooth, or when you eat. The tooth may feel sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. You might be able to see a crack in the tooth, and it may even be a little loose.

Do you think you might need a root canal in Stuart FL? If so, call the professionals at Stuart Dentist today. We can fit you in for a fast appointment.

 

A Root Canal is Nothing to Fear

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Each of your teeth has a hard outer layer called enamel, an inner layer called dentin, and soft tissue inside, known as pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves, which helped the tooth grow when you were a child. When the pulp becomes infected, undergoing a root canal is necessary to remove it and preserve the full functioning of your tooth. Stuart Dentist offers root canals in Stuart, FL, as one of our primary services.

A Root Canal is No More Uncomfortable Than Any Other Dental Procedure

Maybe you know you need a root canal but have avoided it because you heard the procedure was painful. You receive anesthesia at the beginning of the procedure, and Dr. Panchal or Dr. Cogan always make sure their patients are comfortable before proceeding any further. The treated tooth may feel sore for a few days after a root canal, but that is completely normal.

After providing you with anesthesia, your dentist drills a small hole in the side of your tooth and uses a special dental instrument to remove the infected pulp. You then receive a crown on top of the treated tooth to prevent it from developing another infection in the future.

Symptoms That Indicate You May Need a Root Canal

The most common reasons for needing a root canal include problems with a previous filling, an infection, or a cracked tooth. Typical symptoms include:

  • Chipped or cracked tooth
  • Darkening of the gums
  • Deep decay of a tooth
  • Pimple-like bumps on your gums
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold food or beverages, even after you have stopped consuming them
  • Significant pain when biting or chewing your food
  • Tender or swollen gums

We encourage you to schedule an appointment for a root canal in Stuart, FL as soon as possible if you notice any of the symptoms listed above.