The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) asserts that dental care providers perform over 23 million root canals yearly. As one of the dental services Dr. Bryan Chu Houston provides, a root canal can help repair and save a problematic tooth.

Root canal treatment involves the removal of the inflamed or diseased pulp tissue and cleaning and disinfecting the tooth’s interior. The resulting space inside your tooth is then closed using a filling.

It is always difficult to know whether you need a root canal if you have a dental problem. Often by the time you have physical symptoms, the dental issue has worsened. In that respect, you should visit your dentist regularly for an early diagnosis of a developing issue. Here are the signs you can be the right candidate for root canals.

  • Broken or fractured teeth

Your teeth can break, chip, or fracture due to your involvement in collision sports and activities such as ice hockey and boxing. Still, you can have fractured or broken teeth because you regularly consume hard and dry foods or use them as a tool.

A tooth that is fractured or chipped will expose its blood vessels and nerves. Swollen blood vessels that do not allow sufficient passage of nutrients will lead to infection or even death of nerves.

  • Your tooth is highly sensitive to temperature

You might notice a toothache when you take foods or beverages that are hot or cold. Initially, the dull pain from eating ice or drinking hot coffee can progress into a sharp, severe pain.

Your teeth are often highly sensitive to extreme temperatures if their enamel layers are damaged, exposing internal components. Root canal therapy can help resolve the high sensitivity of a tooth.

  • Inflamed gums

With their soft skin, gums protect the teeth and bony structures in your mouth. The sealing provided by gums ensures that your teeth have adequate support to remain stable and are protected against bacteria. Inflamed gums do not properly hold or seal your teeth.

Additionally, malnutrition, improperly fitting dental appliances, pregnancy, and the effects of certain medications can also cause swelling of gums.

  • Unusual staining of tooth

Normally, teeth discoloration is a slow, gradual process. Your teeth can become discolored or stained because of consuming certain foods and drinks frequently, including wines and coffee. Smoking, tobacco chewing, illnesses, aging, and using certain drugs can also trigger teeth staining.

However, if your tooth is stained, you may have a serious oral condition. As a result, your dentist can recommend root canal therapy.

  • Severe decay

A decayed tooth will have signs such as toothache, foul breath, and the appearance of spots on the enamel. A severely decayed tooth cannot be fixed by maintaining normal oral hygiene. Flossing and brushing will not resolve dental caries.

In that case, an effective solution can be the root canal procedure. You do not have to be scared about having a root canal. Often, your dentist will ensure the procedure is painless and post-treatment pain is adequately managed.

Contact Advance Dental today to schedule an appointment with a dentist providing root canal services.