When a Root Canal Is Necessary

Could a root canal be in your future? Root canal therapy offered by your Cary, NC, dentists, Dr. Joey Pesicek, Dr. Kirk Wilkie, and Dr. Vic Turner of Implant & General Dentistry could save your smile.

Why your dentist may recommend a root canal

You might need a root canal if:

• You’ve noticed a constant or intermittent pain in a tooth: Inflammation or infection of your pulp, the soft collection of nerves, blood vessels, and tissues in the center of your tooth, may be responsible for your pain. Although pain can be severe if you need a root canal, that’s not always the case. Initially, the pain in your tooth may come and go. During a root canal, your dentist removes your pulp and replaces it with a durable filling. A dental crown may also be needed to strengthen the tooth.
• Your tooth hurts when you eat or drink: An infection or inflammation may also be the reason that your tooth has suddenly become sensitive. You may notice that your tooth hurts for as long as a half-hour after eating or drinking hot, cold, or sugary beverages or foods. As tooth sensitivity can also be caused by other issues, such as cracks in teeth or receding gums, it’s important to see your dentist to determine why your tooth hurts.
• You experienced tooth trauma: If your tooth is damaged or was reimplanted after being knocked out, your dentist may recommend a root canal during your visit to the Cary, NC, dental office.
• Your tooth is darker than normal: Changes occurring inside your tooth could cause it to darken. Darkening is a sign of a problem and should be evaluated by your dentist.
• You have a dental abscess: Abscesses are bacterial infections that infect your pulp. They can cause severe, throbbing pain that keeps you up at night. Other symptoms can include swollen gums, pus on your gum, fever, facial swelling, and swollen lymph nodes. With emergency treatment, the infection can spread to your brain, heart, or other areas of your body.

Do you think you may need a root canal? Call your dentists in Cary, NC, Dr. Pesicek, Dr. Wilkie, and Dr. Turner of Implant & General Dentistry, at (919) 481-0330 to schedule an appointment.