When Do You Need a Root Canal?

Root canals get a bad rap; they’re often one of the most effective ways to end serious dental pain that you could be experiencing in your teeth. While commonly cited as a reason to avoid the dentist, they are in fact one of the most pressing reasons to seek emergency dental care. Without a root canal, at best you could be looking at an extended and painful infection. At worst, you could be putting your health at risk.

Here are a few of the signs and symptoms where a root canal may be needed:

When you’re in serious pain, you might be in need of a root canal. Pain and inflammation are part of your body’s natural immune response to an infection. They aren’t just there to cause you trouble; your body is fighting back against a far more serious, and sometimes even fatal, problem. Serious pain is a general sign that a root canal is going to be necessary, but that’s not always the case.

• Flu-like symptoms are another sign that you may be in need of a root canal. Dentists can check your lymph nodes to determine whether or not your dental concerns are rooted in an infection that a root canal may be able to correct. You could be prescribed with antibiotics before any procedure can be performed, however.
• Visual damage to the tooth may also mean that a root canal is necessary. Small cracks or fissures can sometimes be corrected with fillings, inlays, and other solutions, but if a tooth becomes seriously cracked, or even has a piece missing, then it may be time for a root canal.

In these situations, emergency care may be your best option, but so is visiting a dental professional that has experience and training in oral surgery techniques and dental diagnosis. The professionals at KK Dental Center can provide you with a thorough and accurate examination, even for emergency treatment, so that you can find out fast if a root canal is going to be the best course of action.