Wouldn’t it be great if humans were like sharks and simply grew additional teeth to replace the ones that are lost? Unfortunately, people aren’t so lucky, which means that every tooth in the mouth is incredibly valuable. And while it’s true that there are some great replacement options these days like dental implants, nothing is quite as good as your own. But once a tooth has been badly damaged by a severe cavity or trauma, can a dentist save it? Thankfully, in many cases they can perform a root canal in Prince Albert to preserve the tooth and maintain your healthy smile. So, what are the top 3 signs you might notice if you need a root canal? Keep reading to find out!
The Top 3 Signs You Need a Root Canal
There are many kinds of tooth pain or sensitivity that don’t necessarily mean you need a root canal. However, any of the 3 following signs and symptoms may indicate the need for one:
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers for more than 5-10 seconds.
- Swelling in your face or a pimple-like bump on the gums. In many cases, these symptoms mean there’s an infection present.
- Severe pain that gets worse when you chew or bite down on something.
What Can You Expect From the Procedure?
Many patients feel anxious or scared when they find out they need a root canal in Prince Albert, but you’ll be glad to know that their bad reputation is undeserved!
Many years ago, anesthesia wasn’t as effective as it is today, which is probably where the idea that root canals are painful came from. With modern dentistry, the first thing a dentist will do is make sure that you’re completely numb and comfortable. Here are the next steps in the procedure:
- A very small opening in the top of your tooth will be made so a dentist can reach the infected pulp material in the inner layers of the tooth.
- After removing the damaged and infected tissue, they’ll flush out and clean the canals that run through the roots of the tooth.
- Finally, these canals will be filled with a material called gutta-percha, and the tooth will be sealed over with a white filling material.
In most cases, a dentist will also recommend a dental crown after the procedure to restore the tooth’s original strength. Since a root canal removes the blood supply of the tooth, it can become brittle and break without a crown.
Many patients report that getting a root canal was no more difficult than getting a simple filling. And the best part is that they’ve saved their tooth and can look forward to many additional years of great oral health!
About the Author
Dr. Jenna Gogolinski is a general, cosmetic and restorative dentist in Prince Albert who is dedicated to providing her community with outstanding dental care. When necessary, she recommends root canals to help her patients hang on to their teeth and maintain a healthy smile for as long as possible. If any of your teeth are painful or you have additional questions, she can be reached via her website or at (306)763-7841.