Is your toothache trying to tell you something?
Sure, we know that needing any kind of dental procedure doesn’t really conjure up feelings of fun; however, root canals really have gotten a bad rap and it’s unfortunate because this procedure saves millions of teeth each year. That’s right! Without root canal treatment patients would be dealing with extractions and false teeth. Here’s why our Southfield, MI, dentists Dr. Lynna Pillai, Dr. Earl Bogrow and Dr. Greg Young perform root canals, and how to tell whether you might need one.
You might need a root canal if you are experiencing,
- A sudden and severe toothache
- A toothache that gets worse when chewing
- Sudden, prolonged tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
- An abscess (a bump on the gums that often looks like a pimple)
- A darkening or discolored tooth
- Swollen gums around the infected tooth
What is a root canal?
So, chances are you’ve heard about root canals, but do you know what this procedure actually does? This dental treatment is necessary when a tooth is badly infected, decayed or injured. In order to preserve the tooth, our Southfield, MI, family dentists will need to remove the nerve and any damaged tissue inside the tooth to prevent the problem from getting worse. The tooth does not need the nerve in order to function properly, so when it starts causing problems, it’s best to remove it.
Why do I need a root canal?
Your tooth may give you early warning signs that something is wrong, such as a toothache. It’s important not to ignore these signs. Reasons why someone may require a root canal include,
- Not maintaining good oral hygiene or not properly caring for their teeth
- Damage to teeth or experiencing a traumatic injury to the face (common in athletes)
- Not visiting the dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings
- Decay that hasn’t been treated and has continued to spread inside the tooth
Do you have questions about getting a root canal from our Southfield, MI, dentists? Need to have an aching tooth checked out? Then turn to the dental team at Mission Point Dental Wellness Associates right away. Your smile is our priority. Call us today at (248) 827-1900.