7 Signs You May Need an Root Canal

Let's start with the basics- What really is a Root Canal treatment?

Root Canal treatment treats teeth with extensive decay when it involves "pulp tissue"- a hollow area within the tooth, containing the tooth's nerves and blood vessels. This infected pulp is removed and replaced with medication so you can continue to use your teeth for its physical structure.

When decay is extensive, a root canal treatment (RCT) is our last chance to save the tooth. The ultimate goal is to delay the inevitable- an extraction.

The brilliance of natural teeth cannot be compared or replicated by even the greatest dentist, hence preservation is our best winning bet.

So what are signs you may need one?

1. You have tooth pain that occurs while eating- especially hard and/or sugary foods.

2. You have tooth pain that worsens only at night time.

3. You have sensitivity or tooth pain that is longstanding- for over a few months.

4. You have tooth pain that occurs randomly and then disappears.

5. You have areas in your mouth that food always gets stuck in between.

6. You have bad breath.

7. Your floss gets snagged and shredded after flossing certain areas.

Not all teeth show signs of pain, not all cases of bad breath or history of frequent food lodgement between teeth indicate a need for an RCT- but very often it does. The only way you will really know for sure, is by visiting a dentist.

The golden rule?

"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." — Maya Angelou

And if fear is over ruling your judgement (cause we get it, dentophobia is a very real fear)-

"Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it." — Tori Amos

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