Why A Root Canal Is Performed And What Symptoms Mean You May Need One
Posted on: 30 October 2017
A root canal treatment is a common restorative dental procedure. During the procedure, the pulp, which is the material within the innermost chambers of a tooth, is removed, and the tooth is then filled prior to being covered with a dental cap.
Although root canal procedures are quite common, many people know little about them. Here is a bit of information about why root canals are performed and what symptoms suggest that a root canal procedure is needed.
Why Are Root Canals Performed?
Root canals are usually performed because of problems with a dental nerve. The nerve may have died or been irreparably damaged. Often the damage to a dental nerve is caused by tooth decay, a tooth infection, or trauma. Here are a few conditions that may necessitate a root canal procedure:
- A tooth that becomes abscessed from dental decay
- A tooth that is chipped or broken
- A deep cavity that has breached the dentin and damaged the dental pulp and nerves
- A tooth that has died because of age
- Dental trauma that has caused progressive damage to a tooth
Without a root canal treatment, a damaged tooth may cause chronic discomfort or spread a dental infection. As a result, a dental extraction may be the only other option for the affected tooth.
What Symptoms Suggest That a Root Canal Treatment Is Needed?
If you are in need of a root canal treatment, there are some symptoms that may present. Here are a few of them:
- Chronic toothaches. Once the pulp of a tooth becomes infected or dies, severe discomfort may persist unless the pulp and the dental nerves are removed from the tooth.
- Dental sensitivity. As the dental nerves become inflamed, a tooth may become increasingly sensitive to changes in pressure and temperature.
- Jaw pain. A dental abscess can cause pain in the jaw that extends toward the ear.
- A crack or chip in a tooth. Teeth that have been fractured may be painful because of pulp damage.
- A deep cavity. The presence of a deep cavity may signify pulp or nerve damage.
Although symptoms do sometimes present when a root canal procedure is needed, a tooth that requires a root canal treatment may be asymptomatic. A tooth that has died may remain firmly in the socket but relay no painful sensations because the dental nerves have also died.
For more information about root canal treatments and their benefits, schedule a consultation with a dentist like those at Minnesota Lakes Dental.
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