When you visit your dentist for a routine exam, you might expect nothing but good news. After all, your mouth feels fine, and you have been doing your best to take care of your smile. It is understandable if you are surprised, or perhaps even a little shocked, when your dentist informs you that you need to undergo a root canal in Needham! What are some common indications that root canal therapy is necessary, and why is this treatment sometimes recommended even when no pain is present? Read on below to find out.
Common Indications for Root Canal Therapy
Throbbing, severe pain in a tooth often indicates that there is an infection in the tooth’s innermost chamber. If you are experiencing this symptom, you may be eager to accept your dentist’s treatment recommendations. Root canal therapy is one of the most effective ways to end a debilitating toothache.
However, pain is just one sign that a root canal might be needed. Other indications include:
- A crack or chip in a tooth
- A tooth that is a darker color than the ones surrounding it
- A pimple-like bump on the gums
- Extreme sensitivity to temperatures and pressure
No Pain? You Still Might Need Root Canal Therapy
Even if you are not currently experiencing any symptoms of a dental problem, your dentist might still recommend root canal treatment if any of the following are true:
- There is a new infection. An X-ray could alert your dentist to a problem within a tooth that is still in its early stages. It might not be severe enough yet to cause pain. Consenting to treatment as early as possible could spare you from a future toothache.
- A tooth is dead. When the nerve inside a tooth dies, it becomes incapable of sending pain signals to the brain. However, the infection that killed the nerve can continue to spread and damage nearby tissues. Root canal therapy can prevent the problem from worsening.
- A tooth needs a crown. Your dentist might determine that a tooth requires a crown. However, if the tooth has a large filling or extensive damage, it might not be able to support a new restoration. After cleaning out the tooth via root canal therapy, your dentist can place a post in it. That post, in turn, can provide adequate support for your crown.
Do Not Wait to Be in Pain
Of course, it is perfectly okay if you want to seek a second opinion about any of your dentist’s treatment recommendations. However, keep in mind what might happen if you postpone necessary care for too long. The damage to your tooth is likely to worsen. In fact, it may become so bad that you lose out on your chance to undergo root canal therapy. You may have to get the tooth removed altogether.
The news that you require root canal therapy can come as a big surprise, particularly if you are not in pain. However, you can be sure that your dentist has your best interests at heart whenever they urge you to consent to any type of treatment.
Meet the Practice
The experienced, talented dentists at Gillis Dental proudly offer root canal therapy and other restorative services in a welcoming environment. If you are curious about why certain treatments are necessary or what you should expect from them, we are ready to speak with you. Contact us at 781-202-6357.