When the inside of your tooth becomes inflamed or infected, our Greater Fort Lauderdale, FL, dentists will employ the root canal procedure. Root canals in general are so effective because they serve to eliminate the presence of bacteria from within the tooth, prevent reinfection, and save the tooth from extraction. They’re also not as scary as their reputation would suggest!
Here’s what you should know about root canal treatment.
When Is a Root Canal Needed?
If you’ve never had a before, it can be hard to know when one might even be in your future. When all you have are the symptoms that you’re experiencing, our dentists recommend that you come into our Plantation, FL, dental office so we can see not only what there might be above the gum line, but below as well.
Symptoms to pay attention to include:
- Persistent tooth pain
- Increased sensitivity to heat or cold
- Swollen, puffy, or tender gums
- Boil or pimple-like swelling on the gums
- Swollen jaw
- Loose tooth
We’ll ask you when you arrive if you’ve recently cracked or damaged the tooth that is causing you discomfort. If you have, this may be how bacteria was able to get inside your tooth and affect the pulp (where nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue are located). You could also have a cavity that has long been ignored which would allow the same situation to occur.
In addition to an oral exam, dental X-rays can help our team see what’s going on under the surface, such as a dental abscess. Abscesses are caused by bacterial infections and if left untreated for long, can lead to serious, even life-threatening complications.
Get the Help You Deserve
Our dentists serving Plantation and Greater Fort Lauderdale, FL, are here when you feel something is wrong. We have the equipment and technology needed to diagnose the real issue as well as restore your oral health. Call Barr Dental Group today at (954) 327-7400 to request an appointment.