Are You in Need of a Root Canal?

Did you know that your teeth are one of the strongest substances in your body, thanks to the thin but tough outer layer of tooth enamel? In fact, this translucent, mineralized substance is the hardest tissue in your body. Still, your pearly whites are vulnerable to decay and injury.

To protect against tooth decay and injury, our Ace Dentistry Family Dental & Cosmetic Dentist team in Alpharetta, Georgia, recommends diligent daily brushing and flossing, along with regular professional dental cleanings to keep them healthy and strong, and wearing an athletic mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury during contact sports.

Let’s take a look at why you might need root canal therapy to save a decayed or injured tooth. A tooth can become infected for many reasons, whether from a cavity that is too deep, or a crack or fracture that allows the pulp to become infected. Beneath that tough exterior of tooth enamel is the dentin, and beneath that is the tooth pulp. The pulp houses the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues.

If your infected tooth is left untreated, you may experience the death of the pulp, loss of bone, and eventually the loss of the tooth. Following are some common questions people have regarding root canal therapy:

Is it painful? Having a root canal done on a tooth is to relieve pain, and with the use of modern tools and anesthesia, it is generally like having a dental filling placed.

What are some signs that I may have an infected tooth? You may have an infected tooth if you have a hole in a tooth, tooth pain, toothache, swelling gums, sensitivity to temperatures, and even swelling in your face or neck.

What causes a tooth to require a root canal? The most common need for a root canal includes an infected or inflamed tooth pulp that arises from deep decay in the tooth, if a tooth has undergone repeated dental procedures, and cracking, chipping, or root fracture.

Remember, root canals are performed to relieve tooth pain and to save a tooth. It is preferable to keep a tooth rather than replace it. At the dental practice of Dr. Pallavi Rakesh serving patients in Alpharetta, Georgia, we look forward to helping you save your smile with our root canal therapy. Please call us at 678-562-1555 if you have any questions or concerns, or to schedule a visit with our team.