04 Oct What is a Root Canal?

A root canal treatment is necessary when the root or pulp of the nerve becomes damaged. There are multiple reasons this can occur.

The first reason a root canal may be necessary is pain. The most common symptom of needing a root canal is a toothache. You may be thinking pain can mean many different things, and you’re right. Needing a root canal has a pretty specific pain. This pain consists of extreme sensitivity to cold or heat and this pain continues even after the hot or cold object has been removed from the area. This pain can be spontaneous and can begin when one eats or drinks. Not only can it be oral pain, but it can cause headaches and fogginess. Unfortunately, if the tooth is dead and becomes abscessed the patient will feel pain when chewing or when pressure is applied.

An abscess might create swelling or bleeding around the tooth or even around the cheek, jaw, or throat. If swelling is this intense, urgent treatment in necessary. There are many other oral conditions that can lead to pain or appear to be a toothache. Therefore, it is extremely important to see an endodontist for a thorough examination of the vitality of the tooth.

Other signs and symptoms of needing a root canal include exposed root surfaces, which can be a result of gum recession. Even being congested can create pressure around the roots of upper teeth and can copy root canal pain.

Deep cavities can also extend into the tooth and affect the pulp, infecting the pulp with bacteria. This can cause inflammation and intense pain. Occasionally, there may be no pain. However, the only way to remove the decay from the tooth is through a root canal and removing the nerve of the affected area.

Another reason for needing a root canal is trauma, when a tooth is hit with tremendous force severing the end of the root and dying. A fractured tooth can also require a root canal if the fracture goes deep into the tooth and reaches the pulp.

If a tooth has root resorption it can also require a root canal. This occurs when the tooth structure dissolves as a reaction to trauma, injury, or aggressive movement of the teeth. The causes of resorption are not always known and a tooth can have internal or external resorption.

As you can see, there are many symptoms and oral pains that require root canal therapy and treatment. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or pains, give our office a call at (310) 623-9166 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Joshua Yadegar. We understand pain is inconvenient and we do our best to schedule you as soon as possible.