The Truth of Root Canals
by Dr. Stephen J. Parr D.D.S.
Read The Truth of Root Canals by Dr. Stephen J. Parr D.D.S. to learn more about Grove Smiles® Dentistry and our Dentistry office in Coconut Grove, FL.
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Your mouth is in pain, and you have lived with this dull constant ache for far too long. When you eat anything hot or cold, it sends you through the roof. Finally, when you get so sick of the pain, you call the dentist to hear now the painful truth, “You need a root canal.”
So, the actual question is when do I need a root canal and what symptoms should have alerted me.
When Is A Root Canal Required?
A root canal treatment is required when trauma or decay has damaged the nerves within the tooth’s root. To repair the damage of trauma or decay, the tooth would need to be treated in almost the same manner as a filling, except that treatment would extend to the tooth’s roots.
Listen To Your Pain Signals
When your teeth bother you, this is a signal that your body is letting you know that something is not right in your mouth. Here are the top three most common symptoms you could experience that may necessitate root canal treatment:
Sensitive to Temperature
If you’ve experienced gum erosion, you have also likely had to deal with teeth sensitive to temperature. Although some degree of temperature sensitivity is natural, it is also brief – meaning the pain does not stick around for more than a few moments. If the pain does last for minutes at a time, or worse, days, you should see your dentist. Constant discomfort to temperature can be an indicator of a loose filling, a small cavity, or the early stages of root trauma rather than a need for a sensitive toothpaste brand.
Sensitive to Pressure
If your teeth are sensitive to pressure, this can often be an indicator of a cracked tooth, root trauma, or a small cavity. Pressure sensitivities are extremely painful, and biting down on something as soft as a piece of cheese could send you reeling. If you experience this type of pain, you will want to visit the dentist before the problem advances.
On an extra note, it is common for some people to experience this sort of sensitivity after dental work. It depends on the individual, but this type of pain typically goes away in 2-4 weeks. If concerned, please get in touch with your dentist.
Some Common Truths About Root Canals
Root Canals don’t hurt. You are numbed for the procedure.
Root Canals relieve pain. Many people who need a root canal arrive at our office due to the pain.
We are only removing the infected part of the roots.
Root canals SAVE TEETH that would otherwise have to be extracted.
And one more time…. Root canals do not hurt
Not As Scary as You Think!
Root Canal Therapy is probably one of the most feared and widely misunderstood procedures in all dentistry practices.
But Fear Not!
Grove Smiles Dentistry performs Root Canal Therapy on a regular basis at our Coconut Grove dental office. Many General Dentists in Miami, FL, require you to visit an Endodontist (Root Canal Specialists), but we can take care of you in our office and get out of pain fast and on with the rest of your day.
For Your Health,
Dr. Stephen J. Parr D.D.S.
