What your dentist in Provo, Utah wants you to know.

Tooth pain can be excruciating. You may be tempted to have the painful tooth taken out, but don’t do it! Once a tooth is removed, your smile won’t be the same. Instead, think about root canal treatment, the modern way to eliminate tooth pain and still keep your tooth. Dr. Gary Wiest at Provo Dental in Provo, Utah wants to share his knowledge of root canals and when you might need one.

There are several common symptoms of tooth pain that might signal the need for a root canal. You should pay attention to:

• Pain that increases when you eat or drink hot or cold foods or beverages
• Tooth pain that increases after dental treatment
• Radiating pain that spreads to your face or jaws
• Aching or throbbing pain that is continuous

There are also some visible changes in your gums or teeth to look for. You should pay attention to:

• A white or red bump that appears near a tooth root
• Drainage or bleeding that happens near a tooth root
• A tooth that is darker or grayer than the teeth around it

Teeth can also die with little or no symptoms. You may not feel any pain, but you will probably see the tooth darken. Only your dentist will know for sure if you need a root canal. That’s why regular visits to your dentist are so important. Your dentist will notice dental issues when they are small, so that you may not need a root canal.

If you do need a root canal, Dr. Wiest will create a small opening in the top of your tooth. He will remove the diseased and inflamed tissue from inside your tooth, drawing it out through the opening. Then he will place a sedative material inside your tooth that helps to eliminate the inflammation, infection and pain. Once your tooth is pain-free, he will fill up the inside with an inert material and seal the tooth up with a dental filling or dental crown.

Root canals are nothing to be afraid of. They are the modern way to eliminate dental pain and save your teeth. For more information about root canal therapy and other restorative and cosmetic dental procedures call Dr. Gary Wiest at Provo Dental in Provo, Utah today!