Endodontists are specialists in root canal therapy, and their experience and additional years of training put them in perhaps the best position to answer a common question, ‘How do I know if I need a root canal?’
The first step is to define and clarify what root canal therapy is. A root canal is a common dental procedure, and it is performed for two primary reasons that affect the pulp that lies at the center of teeth and in their root canals. Made of blood vessels, connective tissue and nerves, pulp provides the teeth with nourishment once they first surface from the gums. After the teeth reach maturity, nourishment is provided by the gums’ blood supply, and the pulp can safely be removed without causing damage to the teeth.
The pulp may need to be removed due to infection. This is the most common reason root canal treatments are performed, and it is caused when decay affects the dentin and enamel of a tooth. When decay reaches the pulp, bacteria can cause an infection that cannot be reached by antibiotics. The infection may also cause inflammation that restricts the supply of blood to to the tooth and prevents the pulp from naturally healing, and it may even cause an abscess to grow. The pulp must be removed to eliminate the infection and save the tooth.
A root canal treatment may also be necessary after trauma causes damage to the pulp. A blow to the tooth may do enough damage to necessitate a root canal, even if the damage is invisible to the naked eye. Fractured teeth may also require a root canal treatment.
Certain symptoms may point to the need for a root canal treatment. An infection may cause pain when the tooth is touched or pushed, and a root canal may be necessary if the tooth is sensitive to cold or heat, discolored or broken. Swelling near the tooth may also indicate a need for a root canal.
To determine if you need a root canal treatment, your endodontist may use an electric pulp tester to assess the health of the pulp and look at X-rays that show the tooth and the surrounding bone. If after an examination, a root canal treatment is deemed the appropriate treatment, it is important to remember that it is being performed to improve your oral and overall health, as well to help preserve your natural teeth.
