If your jaw wasn’t already open, it would’ve dropped to the floor as your dentist shared that you need a root canal. After all, don’t you have to have a moderate to severe toothache for that treatment to be necessary? Not quite. In fact, pain is just one of the many signs that signal to your dental team that something is wrong underneath the gumline. Keep reading to learn what they are and why this tooth-saving treatment isn’t as bad as you may think!
5 Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
Although oral pain is one of the most common symptoms of a root canal, it’s far from the only one. Other warning signs your dentist will look out for include:
- A chipped or cracked tooth.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods.
- Swollen gums.
- Discoloration of the tooth.
- Deep decay.
So, if you are taken aback by the fact that your dentist is recommending root canal therapy, don’t hesitate to ask why! From there, they can share their findings from your dental exam. In fact, thanks to modern technology, they may even be able to show you exactly what they are talking about with tools like an intraoral camera.
Why Root Canals Aren’t as Bad as You Think
It’s no secret that root canal therapy is one of the most feared dental procedures. However, if your dentist is recommending it to restore one or more teeth, you’ll be happy to know they are nowhere near as scary as their reputation makes them out to be. Since the first step is always to thoroughly numb your mouth, many patients find the process to be no more cumbersome than a traditional filling! Plus, the process is designed to remove the decayed or infected portion of your tooth, seamlessly restoring the look and function before further damage is caused. Simply put, you don’t need to be scared. The entire procedure is straightforward, safe, and meant to relieve pain, not cause it.
Now you know all about the common signs your dentist looks for when determining if a root canal is necessary. Remember: forgoing restorative dental treatment when one or more of your teeth are decayed or otherwise damaged can lead to complications down the line. So, it’s much better to schedule your appointment sooner rather than later. Of course, if you have any questions about your dental needs, make sure to speak directly with your dentist!
About the Practice
Shinkawa Dental is run by a family of doctors who love helping other local families get the quality dentistry they deserve. To accomplish this, they use their extensive experience, training, and skill to provide a comprehensive array of services at one convenient location, including tooth-saving root canal therapy. If you’re overdue for your six-month checkup and cleaning or are struggling with a painful toothache, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team via website or by phone at 559-226-5656.