At Lincoln Crossings Dental Care, we are passionate about saving our patients’ teeth. One way we do this is with a root canal. Patients often become a bit nervous when they learn they need this treatment. Unfortunately, many movies and television shows have given this treatment a bad reputation. We want to take a few moments to explain more about this treatment and why it can be the difference between saving or extracting your tooth.
What is a Root Canal?
Your teeth have more than one layer. The outer layer of the tooth is the enamel. Although tooth enamel is extremely strong, it can become damaged by decay when your teeth are not cared for properly. If the decay is not treated in a timely fashion, it will continue to grow until it reaches the inside of the tooth, called the pulp. During a root canal, we remove the infection that is in the pulp, and then the root is cleaned, disinfected, filled, and sealed. When a root canal is postponed or avoided, the only other solution is to extract the infected tooth.
Signs That Indicate a Problem
It is important to be mindful of your oral health. Between appointments, you should regularly check your teeth for signs of a problem. You can also monitor if you experience discomfort. The best way to avoid a problem with your dental health is to visit our office regularly for an oral hygiene examination and cleaning. If you are between appointments and begin experiencing any of the following symptoms, we recommend visiting our office as soon as possible:
- Frequent sensitivity when eating or drinking hot or cold foods
- Swollen and tender gums
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Discomfort in teeth that have fillings
If you are in North Huntingdon, PA or the surrounding area, and you’re experiencing any of the warning signs mentioned above or any discomfort in one of your teeth, please contact our office as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. We want to help save your teeth!
