Your tooth has a hard outer layer of enamel and dentin, and a soft inside made up of blood vessels, nerves, and tissue known as the pulp. This inner layer can become infected due to an injury to the tooth, a crack in the tooth, or decay. According to the American Dental Association, 41,000 Americans a day undergo root canal treatments to save and heal the infected tooth. Although it is a common treatment, it has a bad reputation for being painful when in fact, a root canal produces minimal discomfort to the patient. Modern dentistry techniques improved the way dentists perform this vital procedure, and patients no longer need to be afraid of having a procedure that could save their teeth from further damage.
A root canal treatment removes the infected pulp and involves cleaning the inside of the tooth. As this process may weaken the tooth, your dentist might also recommend a crown to support the tooth.
Do you have the following symptoms?
There are several signs to look for that might indicate the inside of your tooth — the tooth pulp — is infected. Here are the most common symptoms:
- Constant tooth pain — It may come and go or be present all the time
- The tooth is sensitive to hot and cold food and drinks
- Discolored tooth — The infected pulp can give your tooth a dark gray appearance
- Swollen gums caused by the dead pulp tissue
- Loose tooth
Although these symptoms might be caused by other dental conditions, it’s always a good idea to contact your dentist any time you feel pain or notice unusual changes to your teeth and gums.
Infected teeth will not heal on their own.
If you have questions or concerns about your dental health please contact our Dental Care of Boca Raton dental office in Boca Raton, FL to schedule a consultation.
