Chances are pretty good that you’ve heard of root canal treatment before, but do you actually know why it’s sometimes necessary? 
Whether our Mount Airy, NC, dentists Dr. Lynette Smith and Dr. G. Bennett Smith have recommended that you need this procedure or you are experiencing changes in your oral health that have you concerned, we are here to tell you more about the common warning signs that could be trying to tell you that you could benefit from this endodontic treatment.
Why is a root canal necessary?
Unfortunately, this simple procedure gets a pretty bad rap. There are jokes and horror stories made about how painful root canal treatment is, but you’ll be relieved to hear that this is a myth. Most people equate root canals with pain because they are already experiencing significant pain before getting the procedure; however, the goal of this endodontic procedure is to remove the source of the pain (not cause pain). By removing the infected or inflamed dental pulp we not only preserve the tooth but also remove the source of the toothache.
Do you need a root canal?
It’s impossible to know for sure that you need a root canal without our Mount Airy, NC, general dentists examining your teeth and running X-rays; however, there are some changes to your oral health that should not be ignored. It’s time to give us a call if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:
- A toothache
- Tooth sensitivity
- Tooth darkening
- Tender, swollen gums around the tooth
- A pimple-like growth on the gums (known as an abscess)
The classic symptom is a toothache. This toothache occurs because bacteria have been able to penetrate the outer layers of the tooth to infect the dental pulp inside. Once the pulp has been infected the only option is to remove it through root canal therapy and to clean out the inside of the tooth to prevent the bacteria from spreading.
Blue Ridge Dental offers comprehensive and compassionate dentistry in the Mount Airy, NC, area. If you need a toothache assessed or you just need to sit down and talk to us about your cosmetic dentistry options, we are happy to provide you with the care you and your smile deserves.