When Is Root Canal Therapy Needed?

Root canal therapy becomes necessary when the pulp, the innermost part of a tooth containing nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue, becomes infected or damaged. This procedure is crucial in saving a severely damaged or infected tooth, alleviating pain, and preventing the spread of infection. Crosstown Family Dental is your family dentist in Edina, MN, who can determine when a root canal is needed and perform the procedure at our office in Richfield.

Signs That You May Need a Root Canal

Most teeth that require a root canal have had a progressive issue that has finally reached the interior of the tooth, like extensive decay or infection. There are often symptoms leading up to that point that may warn you that your tooth needs treatment.  Several signs indicate the need for root canal therapy, including:

• Severe Tooth Pain: Persistent and intense tooth pain, especially when biting down or applying pressure, can indicate an infected or damaged tooth nerve. The pain may linger or worsen over time, even without any external stimuli, indicating the need for professional evaluation.
• Sensitivity to Hot or Cold: Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, lasting even after the stimuli are removed, can signal an issue with the tooth’s pulp. Discomfort or pain when consuming hot or cold foods or beverages may necessitate a root canal assessment.
• Swelling and Tenderness: Swelling and tenderness in the surrounding gums or the face can indicate an infection in the tooth’s pulp. This swelling might be accompanied by the development of a pimple-like bump on the gums near the affected tooth, indicating the presence of an abscess or infection.
• Discoloration or Darkening: A change in the tooth’s color, such as darkening or a grayish hue, may indicate pulp damage or infection. Discoloration occurs when the pulp inside the tooth dies or becomes infected, affecting the tooth’s appearance from within.
• Prolonged Tooth Sensitivity: Prolonged sensitivity to touch or pressure on a specific tooth, even without other evident symptoms, could indicate underlying pulp issues. This persistent sensitivity, particularly when localized to a single tooth, warrants evaluation by a dental professional.
• Visible Damage or Decay: Visible signs of damage, decay, or a deep cavity that extends into the tooth’s pulp necessitate immediate attention. If the outer layers of the tooth are compromised, bacteria can infiltrate the inner pulp, leading to infection and the need for root canal therapy.

When these symptoms manifest, it is crucial to seek prompt dental care. Our dentist can perform diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and pulp vitality tests, to assess the extent of damage or infection in the tooth’s pulp. Root canal therapy involves removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the inner chamber and sealing it to prevent further infection.

Early detection and timely intervention through root canal therapy can save a compromised tooth, relieve pain and prevent the spread of infection, ultimately preserving oral health and function. If you have signs or symptoms that indicate you may need a root canal and need a family dentist in Edina, MN, contact us at Crosstown Family Dentist to schedule an appointment.