A root canal may be necessary when the soft inner part of the tooth – called the pulp – becomes infected. Infection can occur for a number of reasons; including injury to the tooth or advanced decay, or another circumstance in which bacteria is able to access the pulp.
If your tooth is infected, you may be experiencing some common symptoms. Symptoms may include:
- Pain upon putting biting pressure on the tooth
- Discoloration of the tooth
- A recurring pimple on the gum line
- Throbbing pain
These symptoms may be indications that you need a root canal; however, in some cases of infection, there may be no obvious symptoms.
There may be signs that only an experienced dental professional like Dr. Chalasani can identify using x-rays or during your examination. Only your dentist can definitively say whether or not you need a root canal.
If it is determined that your tooth is infected, it is important that the infection is treated. Otherwise, you could develop a painful abscess.
An abscess occurs when pus collects at the root of the tooth, or in-between the tooth and gum. A root canal may allow you to save a natural tooth that would otherwise need extraction.
If you suspect that you may need a root canal, schedule an appointment with Dr. Chalasani today.