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Reasons for a Root Canal
That nagging pain in your tooth isn't going away on its own. You can neglect it only for so long before it becomes unbearable and you risk losing your tooth. So before things get any worse, get in contact with Dr. Krystal DeClerck of DeClerck Family Dental in Findlay, OH, for an evaluation.
Why Does It Hurt So Much?
A healthy tooth is encased by a hard layer of enamel. Beneath this, yet another protective layer called dentin surrounds the dental pulp. Which contains nerves and blood vessels which connect through the root to your jaw.
This soft tissue is the source of the pain you feel. It becomes inflamed or infected when its protective layers are damaged.
Trauma can expose the dental pulp, when the tooth is chipped or cracked, even if the crack is not visible. Deep tooth decay is another common culprit. So it's important to report injuries of concern and to maintain good oral health and regular checkups with your Findlay dentist.
Why a Root Canal?
Once your dental pulp has lost its protection and becomes infected, only a root canal can save your tooth.
If it is too damaged, it must be removed. The cost of replacing it is often greater than to restore it with a root canal.
How Is It Performed?
The term root canal has become synonymous with discomfort. But the modern treatment in the hands of a professional dentist is relatively painless and can be performed in one or two visits.
Your infected tooth, and those surrounding it, are first numbed. Then, employing small instruments your dentist exposes and removes the dental pulp from your tooth. This includes the pulp's pathways, or canals, that connect to the jaw through the root.
Once properly disinfected, your dentist will close the access with a temporary filling until your permanent crown is ready.
After a Root Canal
Immediately after the procedure, some discomfort is normal, so follow your dentist's advice. But in time, the pain you felt before the root canal should be gone, and with the new crown in place, you can expect your tooth to return to normal function. Call Dr. Krystal DeClerck in Findlay, OH, at (419) 422-8972 to find out if you're a candidate for this treatment.
Have you been ignoring a problem tooth, hoping that pain or sensitivity will eventually just go away? The symptoms may mean that you need a root canal. Root canal therapy offered by your Findlay, OH, dentist, Dr. Krystal DeClerck of DeClerck Family Dental, can end your pain and save your tooth.
Pain is an unmistakable sign of a tooth issue
Root canals eliminate pain by removing infected or inflamed pulp and replacing it with a sterile, inert filling. Pulp, a collection of nerves, tissue and blood vessels, played a crucial role in the formation of your tooth but isn't quite as important now. In fact, your tooth won't feel any different once it's removed.
Do you think you don't have to worry about a root canal because you're not in severe or constant pain? Although throbbing pain can certainly be a sign that you need a root canal, it's not unusual for pain to be mild at first.
Did your pain suddenly go away? Once the nerves in the pulp die, you'll no longer feel anything, although you're tooth will still be inflamed or infected. It's important to see your Findlay, OH, dentist if your tooth has stopped hurting despite weeks or months of pain.
Sensitivity may be a problem if you need a root canal
It's not unusual for teeth to become much more sensitive when inflamed or infected. If your tooth hurts or pain increases after eating hot, cold, or sugary foods or beverages, it's time to schedule a dental visit.
Obvious changes to your teeth and gums can occur
In some cases, your tooth may darken if you need a root canal. Although the inflammation or infection may be inside your tooth, it can affect your gum. A red, swollen, painful gum can be another sign of a problem.
Your tooth makes you sick
Bacterial infections called abscesses can make you feel terrible. An abscess can cause a fever, swollen lymph glands, pus around your tooth, a pimple-like bump on the gum, facial swelling, and severe, throbbing pain. If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, call Dr. DrClerck right away. Prompt treatment will stop the infection from spreading to your heart, brain, or other parts of your body.
Don't put off seeing the dentist a minute longer! Call your Findlay, OH, dentist, Dr. DeClerck of DeClerck Family Dental, at (419) 422-8972 to schedule an appointment.