New Haven Dental Group is a 42 North Dental Care, PLLC practice and is owned and operated by dentists Dr. Samuel Shames, DDM. and Dr. Ronald Weissman, DDM. Gentle Dental is supported by 42 North Dental, LLC, a dental support organization that provides non-clinical administrative and business support services to the practice. 42 North Dental, LLC does not own or operate the dental practice or employ dentists to provide dental services. Find more information about 42 North Dental, LLC and the dental practices it supports at 42northdental.com.
If you have good oral hygiene habits, you might expect nothing but a good report when you visit your dentist for a routine checkup. This may be especially true if you have not noticed any symptoms of a dental problem. You might be shocked, then, when your dentist informs you that you need a root canal.
“I am not in pain,” you might say, “so why do I need a root canal?” That is an excellent question! Read on below to learn about some common indications for this treatment. You will also discover why it is sometimes necessary even when no obvious symptoms are present.
Common Indications for Root Canal Therapy
Teeth have multiple layers. When the innermost layer, the pulp, gets infected, a monstrous toothache may result. Root canal therapy can end the debilitating pain and get you back on the path to a healthy smile. If you are experiencing such discomfort, you may be eager to accept your dentist’s treatment recommendation.
However, pain is just one possible sign that a root canal is necessary. Some other indications include:
- There is a chip or crack in a tooth
- A tooth has an unusually dark color
- There is a small bump on the gums that resembles a pimple
- A tooth is extremely sensitive to hot, cold, and pressure
No Pain? You Still Might Need Root Canal Therapy
What if you have not noticed any of the above-listed signs or symptoms? It is still possible that you need root canal therapy for one of the following reasons:
- There is a new infection. During your exam, your dentist might discover that you have an infection developing in one of your teeth. Although it might not yet be severe enough to cause pain, it may still need to be addressed with a root canal.
- A tooth is dead. When the nerve within a tooth dies, it can no longer send pain signals to the brain. You might not have any idea that there is a problem! The infection that killed the nerve could still be present. It is likely to continue to spread and cause damage if you do not undergo timely treatment.
- A tooth needs a crown. If one of your teeth needs a crown, your dentist might perform root canal therapy so they can place a post within the tooth. This can enable the tooth to be strong enough to support the new restoration.
Do Not Wait to Be in Pain
It is perfectly all right if you want to get a second opinion after your dentist recommends that you undergo a root canal. However, bear in mind that you should not postpone treatment for too long. The longer you delay, the more likely it is that the damage to your tooth will become so bad that, instead of getting a root canal, you should get the tooth extracted instead.
The need for root canal therapy can seem to come out of nowhere. Listening to your dentist’s recommendation may spare you from future pain and help you enjoy a healthy smile for many years to come.
Meet the Practice
New Haven Dental Group is home to a number of general dentists and specialists, all of whom are eager to provide top-quality care in a welcoming environment. If you have questions about root canal therapy or any other oral health service, we are ready to speak with you. Get in touch with us at 203-712-4068.