You might need root canal therapy if you are experiencing persistent tooth pain or sensitivity. Pain and sensitivity can be a sign of an infection in the soft pulp inside the tooth. Left untreated, the infection could worsen and result in extraction of the infected tooth. The infection could also spread to other areas of the mouth. Root canal therapy stops infection from spreading, preserves your tooth, and prevents extraction. The dental professionals at Main Line Center for Dental Excellence are your Narberth dentists for root canal therapy.
Root Canal Procedure
The procedure for root canal therapy is similar treating a cavity. Your Narberth dentist will examine the affected tooth and take x-rays to determine the extent of infection and damage. To perform root canal therapy, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area around the affected tooth. The dentist then creates an opening in the tooth and removes infected pulp from inside the tooth and root canals. Once the pulp has been removed, the tooth is thoroughly cleaned. Finally, the tooth is sealed with dental filling, leaving it strengthened and restored.
Signs Root Canal Therapy is Needed
Several symptoms can develop when the pulp inside a tooth is infected and point to the need for root canal therapy. Signs root canal therapy might be needed include:
- A severe or persistent toothache
- Sharp pain when biting and chewing food
- Extreme sensitivity to cold or hot items
- Persistent pressure or pain in the mouth
It is important to seek treatment from your Narberth dentist if you develop any of the signs associated with needing root canal therapy. Without treatment, the infection can spread beyond the root and result in the formation of an abscess below the tooth. Once an abscess forms, the infection can spread to other areas, including the jawbone.
Benefits of Root Canal Therapy
The benefits of root canal therapy are numerous. Two primary benefits are preserving the natural tooth and avoiding extraction. Other benefits include alleviating tooth pain and sensitivity, stopping the spread of infection, and strengthening teeth damaged by infection. Additionally, with the affected tooth strengthened and pain and sensitivity eliminated, normal tooth functioning can resume. Prior to root canal therapy, it can be too painful to bite and chew food with an infected tooth, but root canal therapy restores normal tooth functions.
See a dentist right away if you are experiencing some of the signs of needing a root canal. With root canal therapy, it is possible to preserve your tooth and avoid extraction. To find out if you need root canal therapy, schedule an appointment with a dentist in Narberth, PA, by calling Main Line Center for Dental Excellence at (610) 664-6061.