Do I Need a Root Canal Procedure

How do you know you need a root canal? That is a question that not many people want to know the answer to. When most people hear the term, "root canal", a sense of fear runs through us and we think the worst.

Regardless of our thoughts about root canals, if you need one, you can't ignore it. So how do you know when you need one done? The best way to know is to consult a dentist but here are some ways to know yourself and the causes.

Common causes of root canals:

• Tooth decay that has penetrated the enamel and dentin to reach the nerve and the pulp that are in the root canals and chambers of the tooth. 
• Tooth decay that went unchecked and has caused the tooth to become infected or abscessed. 
• When a nerve has become exposed after a broken or chipped tooth. 
• Age
• Untreated tooth trauma. 

So what are the symptoms you need to pay attention to and know you need a root canal procedure?

• Severe pain in a tooth; this pain often persists for long periods of time and can even interrupt your sleep. The pain you feel is the pulp of the tooth dying or becoming infected. 
• Radiating jaw pain. The pain tends to be in the jaw but can extend to the ear or temple right by the ear. 
• Chewing pain or pain by touch. When you bite down with the tooth, or when you touch it, you might experience great pain. If you have this, the pain is caused by inflammation or infection at the root's tip. 
• Sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks.
• Darkened tooth. If you see a tooth is darker than the ones around it, then get it checked out by a tooth crown dentist. 
• A broken or chipped tooth. 
• Decayed teeth. If you have untreated cavities or cracks, then they can lead to a need for root canals. 

If you experience any of these symptoms, pay attention to them and check them with a dentist. If you are in Chicagoland, contact Rubino Dentistry, a Chicagoland dentist in Park Ridge. While a need for a root canal is often noted by a patient experiencing these symptoms, patients who need a root canal do not always experience the symptoms.