It’s important that you know when your smile is trying to tell you that something is wrong. 

While our mouths don’t always let us know when there are problems brewing, if you are noticing any changes or symptoms, it’s important that you don’t just sweep these issues under the rug. Our Medicine Hat, AB, dentist, Dr. Jared Palmer, makes it easy to get the dental care that you need right away. Read on to learn the purpose of root canal treatment as well as the warning signs that point to whether you could benefit from this dental procedure.

Why is a root canal performed? 

Root canal treatment is a common endodontic procedure that is meant to repair and even preserve a tooth that has been damaged by decay, infection, or trauma. While a dental filling may be used when the hard outer layers of a tooth have been damaged, a root canal is performed when the dental pulp (the inside of the tooth) has become inflamed or infected by bacteria.

When the dental pulp is damaged, the only option is to remove it, for this allows a dental professional to clean out and seal the inside of the tooth to prevent more bacteria from entering. Once the tooth has been fixed, Dr. Jared Palmer will then place a dental crown over the tooth to strengthen it.

But isn’t a root canal painful? 

Contrary to what you might have heard, a root canal is not meant to be painful. In fact, it’s actually designed to remove the source of the pain, the infected dental pulp). Getting root canal treatment is really no more invasive than having dental decay removed and a filling placed. Instead, you should experience relief from your toothache not long after undergoing root canal treatment.

What are some warning signs and symptoms? 

Unfortunately, it isn’t always possible to tell whether you might have a damaged dental pulp. Of course, you should come in right away for a checkup if you are experiencing any of these telltale symptoms,

• A toothache (particularly one that gets worse when biting down on the tooth)
• Lingering tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
• Sudden darkening of the tooth
• Swollen, tender gums surrounding the tooth
• An abscess (a pimple-like bump) on the gums

Don’t let changes in your oral health get the better of you. Know where to turn to get the immediate dental care you need. Call Vista Dental in Medicine Hat, AB, today at (403) 548-7077.