Patient education is a valuable investment for dental professionals; when people understand what's going on with their teeth, they're more likely to make good decisions about their dental health. One of the ways that Dr. Pier J. Cipriani of Cipriani Dental Associates in Newtown, PA, keeps his patients informed is through blog posts like this one. Today we're discussing signs and symptoms that could indicate a root canal from your family dentist is required.
Sensitivity
One of the main indicators that a root canal might be necessary is when tooth sensitivity becomes an ongoing and uncomfortable problem. Most people will experience tooth sensitivity at some point in their lives, especially in the days following a dental procedure (such as a filling) or after a whitening treatment. However, this type of sensitivity is short-lived and rarely painful. When a tooth is broken or has substantial decay, on the other hand, the tingling or throbbing feeling tends to be more intense and long-lasting. This is because the nerves inside the tooth are no longer protected from hot and cold temperatures or the friction from brushing. If you're experiencing what we've described, it's definitely time to contact your Newtown family dentist.
Pain
The type of tooth pain you're experiencing can be a good way to tell what's wrong. A sharp pain while biting down is often indicative of a crack in a tooth, which is causing the fractured pieces to shift as you chew. A root canal will relieve this pain by removing the affected nerves inside the tooth and repairing the top portion. Even if a root canal isn't required, any type of ongoing dental pain warrants an evaluation from your Newtown family dentist to determine the cause and decide on an effective treatment.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Pier J. Cipriani, contact Cipriani Dental Associates in Newtown, PA, at 215-968-0620.