Signs That You Might Need a Root Canal
December 29, 2021 8:14 pm
Root canal therapy cleans away infection and damaged tissue from inside your tooth. This eliminates pain and protects your other oral tissues from infection. You may need root canal treatment if you experience one or more of the following conditions:
- Toothache or Sensitivity
- Infected Gums
- Broken or Cracked Tooth
Persistent tooth pain and sensitivity can indicate severe tooth decay or damage to your inner tooth. Your inner tooth is called the pulp. It is composed of blood vessels, nerves, and soft connective tissue. Tooth pain due to decay or a compromised pulp can often be felt when chewing or drinking hot and cold foods and beverages or when a tooth gets exposed to air. If left untreated, it will only get worse as fluid and bacteria accumulate inside your tooth and infection spreads to your jaw and bloodstream.
Healthy gums are firm, painless, and pink. If your gums look red and swollen, feel painful, and are prone to bleeding, they are irritated. Sometimes inflamed gums can be fixed with improved oral hygiene and a balanced diet. But if you have pus coming from your gums or a painful bump near a tooth, you have a severe infection that needs urgent treatment.
Unfortunately, dental accidents happen! A broken or cracked tooth exposes your inner tooth to bacteria and infection. To reduce your risk of dental trauma, wear a custom athletic mouthguard if you play contact sports and a nightguard if you grind your teeth as you sleep.
Gentle Root Canal Treatment in Wilmington, NC
Gregory B. Garrett, DDS, offers gentle root canal therapy in Wilmington, NC. This restorative dental treatment can alleviate discomfort while preserving your natural tooth by removing the infected tooth pulp and replacing it with a safe biocompatible dental material.
We accept a variety of payment options and offer modern patient amenities to make your visit with us as enjoyable as possible. Contact us today for more information about our office and restorative services!