Reasons You May Need A Root Canal

Find out why a root canal may be necessary to preserve your smile. 

You came into our Asheville, NC, dental office to get a routine checkup just to be told that you need a root canal. This could leave you wondering, "What is a root canal and why is it performed?" While there are a lot of myths floating around about root canals, we are here to tell you the truth behind the procedure and what to expect.


Why is a root canal performed? 

A root canal is necessary when the dental pulp (i.e. the soft tissue in the root canals of a tooth) has become infected or inflamed. The top reasons for this occurrence, are:

  • A faulty filling or crown
  • Severe decay
  • Crack or fracture in the tooth
  • Weakness due to repeated dental procedure
  • Traumatic injury


Is a root canal optional? 

If one of our dentists in Asheville, Flat Rock, and Hendersonville, NC, have told you that you need a root canal, this is not something to ignore. After all, if the dental pulp is infected or inflamed, not only will you deal with severe dental pain, but also the infection that will continue to spread into the jawbone and neighboring teeth. Additionally, you could lose the tooth altogether if it isn't treated.


What are the signs of symptoms of an infected or inflamed dental pulp? 

It’s important to know the early warning signs that mean you might need a root canal. Unfortunately, cavities, gum disease, and even infected dental pulp won't always cause noticeable symptoms. Therefore, the only way to truly detect the problem as soon as possible is by visiting your dentist every six months. Even if you aren’t noticing any problems, these checkups should not be missed.

Of course, you should also schedule an immediate dental appointment if you are experiencing,

  • A toothache
  • Dental pain that gets worse when chewing or biting down
  • Sudden lingering tooth sensitivity
  • Swollen, puffy, and tender gums surrounding the affected tooth
  • A darkening or discolored tooth
  • An abscess (a bump that develops on the gums)
  • Persistent and unexplained bad breath


Concerned? Give us a call

Upwards Dental provides comprehensive dental care to patients of all ages living in and around Asheville, Flat Rock, and Hendersonville, NC. If you have questions about root canal treatment or if you are dealing with a toothache, call us right away.

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