Do I Need a Root Canal
Signs of Problems with Root Canals
At Cedar Grove Dental Group in Cedar Grove and the surrounding area, we offer root canals to save or repair teeth damaged by infection or decay. Without proper treatment, surrounding tissue may become infected and abscessed. Root canals involve removing the inflamed and infected nerve and pulp of the tooth. Don't delay in saving your tooth - call us today at (973) 857-0567 to schedule an appointment and find out more.
Relieving Pain Through Root Canal Treatment
Patients experiencing dental issues that require root canals often feel uncomfortable. The most common symptom is a severe toothache that can occur spontaneously, even without using the tooth. This pain can escalate into a severe headache, which many patients may not realize is connected to the toothache.
A live tooth will also be sensitive to heat and cold, even after the stimulus is removed. Heat sensitivity is particularly common. Dead teeth that have become abscessed will cause pain when pressure is applied, such as when chewing. Abscesses can lead to swelling or bleeding, sometimes requiring emergency treatment.
“The underlying causes of root canals can often make patients uncomfortable.”
Make an appointment with a dentist to discuss root canals.
There are various factors that can lead to a patient needing a root canal, with symptoms such as chips or cracks in teeth, pain while eating or touching the tooth, persistent pain, sensitivity to heat and cold, and swollen gums. These conditions can create spaces for bacteria to cause infection and inflammation, while tooth sensitivity may indicate severe decay or nerve damage. Toothaches are a clear sign that a patient should see a dentist.
Tooth sensitivity can be a result of infected or damaged blood vessels and nerves in the tooth, while swelling may be associated with abscesses that can cause an unpleasant taste and odor. Infected teeth may feel looser due to nerve death softening the bone, and damaged roots can cause teeth to turn grayish-black.
“These conditions can manifest themselves as various symptoms.”
When Root Canals Are the Only Option
Root canal treatments are necessary when the pulp of the tooth becomes inflamed or infected and needs to be removed. This can be caused by deep decay, cracks or chips in the tooth, faulty crowns, or repeated dental procedures. It is important to note that facial trauma can also damage the pulp, even if there are no visible chips or cracks in the tooth. If left untreated, pulp inflammation or infection can lead to pain or the formation of an abscess.
Untreated teeth with damaged pulp will eventually die, which can have a negative impact on your overall oral health and make it difficult to eat and chew. Root canals can help preserve the remaining tooth and may be followed by the placement of an implant or a crown.
“Root canal treatments are necessary when the pulp of the tooth has become inflamed or infected and needs to be removed.”
Alternatives to Root Canals
Root canals are a great option for addressing issues caused by infection and decay, but it is important to have enough natural tooth remaining for the treatment to be successful. While saving natural teeth is ideal, some teeth may be too damaged to save, such as those with severe fractures or cracks extending below the gum line, which may require extraction.
If extraction is necessary, patients may want to consider dental implants as a tooth replacement option. Dental implants look, feel, and function like natural teeth, helping to maintain the appearance of the smile. These implants consist of artificial tooth roots that are surgically placed into the jaw to hold an artificial tooth in place. Our team can help determine the best option for you.
“However, for such treatment to be successful, there must be enough of the natural tooth remaining to save.”
Emergency Root Canals
It is important to treat a tooth requiring a root canal as an emergency procedure, as the tooth is in the process of dying. Delaying treatment can lead to pulp necrosis, where the pulp of the tooth dies off completely. Only a root canal or tooth extraction can reverse the symptoms of pulp necrosis. Untreated pulp necrosis can result in infection, fever, jaw swelling, cellulitis, abscesses, sinusitis, periodontitis, and bone loss. If you are experiencing severe toothaches, sensitivity to hot or cold, darkening of teeth, swollen gums, or pimples on the gums, contact our office immediately.
