In many cases, root canal therapy is necessary when you have a tooth that’s in constant pain. As such, you might assume that if your tooth doesn’t hurt, there’s no chance that you’ll need a root canal. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case; sometimes there might still be a problem with your tooth even if pain isn’t present. Here’s why a tooth that feels fine might still require root canal therapy.
Why are Root Canals Performed?
Root canal therapy is the process of removing damaged or infected pulp from the tooth. The dental pulp is a collection of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues. If harmful bacteria are able to reach the pulp, they can cause a serious infection. When left alone, said infection could potentially spread beyond the roots of the tooth and affect other parts of the mouth. Root canal therapy is often necessary to prevent the infection from spreading and compromising your oral health.
Why Might a Root Canal Be Necessary Even If There Isn’t Pain?
Persistent pain is a common warning sign of a tooth infection, but it doesn’t occur in every case. While examining your tooth, your dentist might notice warning signs that point to infected pulp; if they do, root canal therapy will often be the best option for protecting your smile.
How Will You Know If You Need a Root Canal?
It should be noted that there are other symptoms besides pain that might point toward an infected tooth. Some of the common signs that you could need root canal therapy in the future include:
- Sensitivity: Sensitive teeth tend to feel uncomfortable when exposed to hot or cold temperatures. If the discomfort lingers, it might be a sign that a root canal is needed.
- Swollen Gums: In many cases, a dental infection can cause the gum tissue around the tooth in question to become swollen.
- Chipped or Cracked Teeth: When a tooth is damaged, it can leave the dental pulp vulnerable to bacteria attacks.
- Dark Discoloration: Teeth can become discolored for several reasons, but sometimes it’s the result of nerve damage below the tooth’s surface, which means a root canal may be necessary.
Bear in mind that the only truly reliable way to know for sure that root canal therapy is needed is to visit your dentist. They can take X-rays and closely examine your teeth to check for issues that you might not notice on your own. If for any reason they determine that a root canal is required, you can count on them to complete the procedure as efficiently as possible.
About the Practice
At Baldwin Family Dental, multiple experts combine their skills to bring patients in Panama City compassionate, comprehensive dental care. When performing root canal therapy, we take whatever steps we can to make the process as comfortable and stress-free for you as possible. If you think you might need a root canal, you can schedule a consultation at our office by visiting our website or calling (850) 215-0128.