Tooth pain isn’t always so black and white. You may notice some discomfort in a tooth gradually, but intense pain can also appear without a moment’s notice. That intense pain or pressure can be a strong sign that the nerves within your tooth are in danger.

The prevention of nerve damage is just one of the reasons why it’s so important to have your teeth checked regularly. Any instances of decay or trauma should be treated as quickly as possible, otherwise you’re prone to suffering from some immense pain – or even worse issues the longer you remain untreated. 

When the nerves in your tooth are so badly infected that they will not recover naturally, Dr. Oleg, Dr. Nikole & Dr. Sakai will likely suggest root canal treatment.

Signs that your tooth may be infected include:

• Severe toothache
• Pain or pressure when chewing
• Extreme or prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
• Tender or swollen gums

But there’s no need to worry! A root canal isn’t the terrifying treatment that you may have come to believe it is. Performed by a trusted endodontist, a root canal involves powerful numbing to help you through it all. Treatment involves opening up a tooth and gently removing the infection inside. After it’s all removed, the inner canal is disinfected, reshaped and sealed, allowing a permanent crown or filling to be placed to protect the remainder of your natural tooth. 

While tooth decay can end up being extremely painful, it’s an important reminder why we need to take such good care of our teeth! Proper dental care and regular check ups can reduce the risk of decay and thus the need for root canal treatment immensely. It’s always best to catch and deal with a small issue early on than allow it to develop into a much larger and painful one. 

If you haven’t had a check-up in a while, there’s no time like the present. Give 425 Dental a call today to set up an appointment – you could just save yourself the need for root canal treatment by doing so.