When Do I Need a Root Canal?

When you have tooth pain, it affects every part of your day. You might think a little rest and some over-the-counter pain medication will make it go away, but you could be simply putting a band-aid on a more serious problem; an oral health condition that requires a dental procedure like a root canal. 

At All Bright Dental, located in Mamaroneck, New York, and Stamford, Connecticut, Dr. Gennadiy Kravets and his experienced staff are dedicated to treating your dental problems and helping you recognize the difference between simple sensitivity and problematic pain.

Why you need a root canal

Root canals are most commonly used to treat teeth that have become so infected or damaged that the resulting pain disrupts your health, comfort, and ability to function. 

The infection is located not on the surface of your tooth but in the deepest layer called the pulp. The pulp contains all of the blood vessels and nerves. When this part of your tooth becomes severely infected, you experience significant pain. 

Dr. Kravets uses an X-ray to see if you need a root canal. There are also a few warning signs that you have a severe infection. If you have persistent pain accompanied by the following symptoms, you might need a root canal:

• Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold
• Swollen and tender gums
• Darkening or discoloration in your tooth
• Discomfort in your lymph nodes

While root canals are typically used as a treatment due to decay, you might need a root canal for other reasons including:

• Repeated dental work
• Cracked or chipped teeth
• Trauma to your teeth

Any of these situations put you at risk for developing tooth decay, damage, and infection. 

Root canal basics

We understand that root canals have a bad reputation and hearing that you need one might make you feel anxious. We’re here to address your concerns by preparing you for what to expect when you arrive for your root canal. 

The good news is that root canals are much less painful than you might imagine. We use a local anesthetic to completely numb the infected tooth and the surrounding area so you don’t feel pain while Dr. Kravets works. You’ll soon realize that root canals are in the business of relieving, not causing, pain. 

After you’ve been properly numbed and prepared for the procedure, Dr. Kravets begins by creating a small hole into the infected tooth. Through this small hole, he removes the decayed pulp deep inside your tooth. 

A rubbery substance fills the hollow space, and the small hole is sealed to protect against further damage. Dr. Kravets tops it off with a crown to support your tooth as it goes through the healing process. 

Post-procedural care is simple. All you have to do is be careful of not chewing on the treated tooth for a few days. You might feel some tenderness and sensitivity following your root canal, but this discomfort should resolve quickly or with the use of over-the-counter pain relievers. Call our office if your pain becomes severe. 

You can prevent future root canals by simply maintaining a consistent dental hygiene routine, scheduling and maintaining regular dental check-ups with Dr. Kravets, and avoiding trauma to your face. 

Tooth pain is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. Instead of ignoring it, come see Dr. Kravets and our friendly staff, and let us determine if you need our expert intervention. 

If you’d like more information or are currently experiencing concerning tooth pain, call our office or schedule an appointment online today.