Did you know root canal procedures are generally painless?
People assume that root canal treatment will be painful because of all the pain the infected tooth causes BEFORE the treatment when the root canal procedure eliminates the pain of the infected tooth!
What is a root canal?
Inside a tooth is a hollow centre containing ‘pulp’. When the inside of your tooth (the ‘pulp’) becomes inflamed or infected, or an abscess has developed, you may need a root canal procedure to replace the infected pulp with a filling. The procedure is called a root canal because the space where the pulp sits is in the root of the tooth.
Signs you may need a root canal procedure
Tooth pain alone does not mean you need a root canal. Generally, when we see patients that may require a root canal there are underlying issues that have been left untreated for some time which are causing them pain or discomfort.
Dental issues to have a dentist look at:
- Untreated tooth decay
- Tooth damage
- Persistent pain
Untreated tooth decay
Tooth decay, or cavities, are caused by a combination of factors, including bacteria in your mouth, sugary food or drinks and not cleaning your teeth properly. If left untreated, minor tooth decay can turn into deep tooth decay and cause an infection or pain. Tooth decay is easy not to notice. At first, it may only affect the outer enamel of your teeth, however, over time, tooth decay progresses to the deeper layers of the tooth eventually damaging the ‘pulp’ (inside of the tooth). In light of this, it is essential to have regular dental checkups to catch any tooth decay early.
Damaged teeth
A chipped or cracked tooth does not necessarily mean you need a root canal. However, when a tooth gets cracked or chipped, it can expose the nerves beneath the surface of the tooth and lead to an infection. If left untreated, the infection could require a root canal.
In addition, an injury to a tooth may cause pulp damage even if the tooth has no visible chips or cracks.
If you have hurt your tooth, it is best to visit your Tindale dentist in Penrith to have them take a look at the damaged tooth.
Persistent pain
The most important thing to remember is that pain in your mouth is not normal. Pain is the body’s indicator that something is wrong. If your tooth hurts or something feels wrong in your mouth, visit the dentists at Tindal Dental Centre in Penrith for an assessment.
Undergoing a root canal
If you suspect that you have a dental issue that requires a root canal, don’t worry. Root canals, though not at the top of anyone’s favourite to-do list, are common and don’t have to be painful. With the right dentist, a root canal procedure can be a relatively painless experience.
Dental check-ups with Tindal Dental
Overall, if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, have pain in your mouth or have questions about root canals, give Tindale Dental Centre in Penrith a call on (02) 4726 5400 or book online to set up an appointment.
Most importantly, remember that regular dental check-ups will help ensure your teeth and gums stay in good health and catch any dental issues early on.