If you’ve been experiencing a persistent and severe toothache that doesn’t seem to go away, you may be suffering from a dying tooth. Our dentists in Coventry, RI talk about which symptoms to look for when identifying the need for root canal therapy and what you can do to prevent more serious damage.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a surgical treatment that is required to save a dying tooth that has been damaged by infection or severe trauma. The procedure consists of surgically removing the infected pulp from the tooth. The pulp is made up of soft tissue such as nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues that are responsible for keeping the tooth healthy and alive.
Once the pulp is infected and begins to deteriorate, patients will experience painful symptoms. However, root canal therapy eliminates the symptoms by removing the damaged tissue and restoring the tooth back to its full function by using the empty tooth as a natural implant.
With root canal therapy, patients can avoid tooth extraction, conserve their natural tooth, and save money with this cost-effective procedure.
Signs You Need Root Canal Therapy
There are various signs that could indicate the need for root canal therapy. However, every individual is different, meaning that not everyone will experience the same symptoms of a damaged tooth. One of the main signs of a dying tooth includes persistent pain that doesn’t seem to subside.
Additionally, signs you should look out for include:
- Tenderness or sensitivity
- Pimples or abscess on the gums
- Severe toothache and pain that doesn’t subside
- Sensitivity to hot or cold drinks and foods
If you find that you are experiencing symptoms, as the ones mentioned above, that correlate to a severely damaged tooth, it’s time to seek professional treatment with our Coventry, RI dentists. Neglecting treatment can result in more damage and endanger the health of neighboring teeth in your mouth.
Prevention
Paying frequent visits to your dentist can help prevent and treat infections in the mouth by ensuring that your mouth is getting the professional cleanings and treatment it deserves. Additionally, biannual visits to the dentist can help detect infections and diseases before they progress or spread.
However, prevention measures don’t just start at the dentist. Maintaining good dental hygiene habits at home will also ensure that your mouth is healthy throughout the year by helping prevent infections, diseases, and cavities.
Explore Treatment in Coventry, RI
If you’re in need of a professional dental cleaning or need to treat an aching tooth, visit our Coventry dentists at Eric George DMD & Associates. Our dedicated team is here to help you get back on track and restore your dental health. Our office in Coventry, RI provides personalized and exceptional treatment for all our patients. Contact us today to get started!