When Should I Consider a Root Canal?

Some 25 million root canals are performed each year, according to the American Association of Endodontists, making them one of the most common endodontic procedures. While they aren’t generally a treatment people eagerly anticipate, it’s important to know that root canals aren’t painful. In addition, they tend to bring about a great deal of relief, as well as significant health benefits.

Our team of dentists at Swinney Dental, located in Tyler, Texas, performs root canal therapy using a precise and gentle approach. Read on to learn more about this procedure and why you may want to consider it.

What root canals involve

A root canal is a bit like a thorough plumbing treatment for an infected tooth, doing away with harmful bacteria and decay to preserve its structure and prevent future infections. During the procedure, your provider will:

• Remove decay and bacteria from the root, nerve, and pulp of the tooth
• Apply disinfecting antibiotics
• Fill the empty roots
• Seal the area

While some amount of discomfort is normal afterward, anesthetics will help ensure that you won’t experience pain during your root canal. For many people, the pain from the infection is far worse than any discomfort during recovery, which can be helped with ice packs and over-the-counter pain medication.

Signs you may need a root canal

The only way to know for sure whether you need a root canal is by scheduling a dental exam. Some of the signs that it’s time to do so include:

• Chronic tooth pain, which may come and go periodically
• Cracks or chips in a tooth
• Grayish-black discoloration of the tooth
• Pain when you chew food or touch the tooth
• Loose tooth
• Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold, which may feel like a dull ache or sharp pain
• Swollen gums or a pimple-like bump near the tooth

Many of these symptoms are linked with other dental issues besides infections, so proper diagnosis is important for ensuring effective treatment.

Preventing a root canal

Once you notice signs of an infection, see your dentist as soon as possible. While you can’t reverse symptoms of infection and decay, you can lower your risk of developing them in the first place and guard against the need for an additional root canal once you’ve had one.

Helpful preventative measures include:

• Brushing your teeth at least two times per day
• Flossing at least once a day
• Using a fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash
• Rinse or brush your teeth after consuming sugary foods or drinks
• Scheduling routine dental cleanings, typically every 6 months

To find out if you’d benefit from root canal therapy, call Swinney Dental or schedule an appointment with Dr. Chip Swinney or Dr. Kayla Morton using our online booking feature.