When is a Root Canal Necessary? Posted on 8/13/2018 by Sundberg Office Thinking of a root canal makes many people very afraid and they avoid visiting our office as soon as they are told they need one. We can tell you with confidence that the procedure is not as bad as people make it sound and the pain in your tooth is much worse.
Why is a Root Canal Necessary?
One of the inside layers of the tooth, called the pulp, is a soft tissue inside the root canal and in some instances can get infected due to decay, a crack or chip in the tooth or multiple dental procedures. The pulp is where the blood vessels and connective tissue of the tooth are located and if it gets infected, a root canal is necessary to save the tooth and get rid of the pain.
What are the Signs You Need a Root Canal?
The most common sign a root canal may be needed is pain. It can be strong or mild, but if one of your teeth hurts, you should call our office immediately. You can also feel sensitivity to hot or cold foods or air temperature changes, and there can be swelling present. The diagnosis for a root canal will be made when you come to see us, and we will take care of it right away.
Will a Root Canal be Painful?
No, we will numb the area with anesthetic and you will not feel a thing during the procedure. The most uncomfortable part of it is keeping your mouth open for an extended period and waiting for the numbing effect to wear off. There may be some pain or sensitivity after the procedure, which can be treated with over-the-counter medications, but after that you will feel much better and all the discomfort will be gone. If you have any questions about how a root canal is done, please let us know so we can put you at ease.