A root canal is a procedure specifically designed to save you from losing a tooth. Our teeth are comprised of certain parts, one of them being the pulp. A tooth’s pulp is where the nerve, blood vessels, and connective tissue are housed. When this area becomes inflamed or infected, a root canal procedure must be completed in order to save the tooth.
When your pulp becomes inflamed or infected, you will begin to feel symptoms that prompt you to take action.
Extreme pain to hot and cold foods is a good indicator.
Dark discoloration on the tooth points to a deteriorated pulp. This is a severe sign.
These are pretty common, but certain toothaches point to the possibility of an inflamed/infected pulp. If you experience sharp pain in the middle of the night that leads into a generalized headache, then your tooth’s root may be suffering.
If you see a bump near the top part of a tooth and/or pus present in the mouth, then there is a good chance a root canal will be required.
If you notice a recurring pain that doesn’t seem to halt, then contact our dentist immediately. It is always better to save a tooth than to have it extracted and replaced.
Root canals are often a two hour procedure. After the root canal is completed, it is important to have a crown placed on the tooth to protect the remaining tooth structure. The crown plays a key role in restoring both the function and the appearance of the tooth following a root canal. Feel free to call our office at 843-248-3843 to learn more about the root canal procedure or any other services we provide. We will be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.
