Why Your Boise Dentist May Recommend A Root Canal

Practicing good dental hygiene is essential to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. However, sometimes we suffer from serious cavities that need more treatment than a simple filing. To protect the health of a tooth and to prevent further decay, your Boise dentist at Summit Dental may recommend a root canal as a treatment option for a cavity too large for a traditional filing.

Hearing the words “root canal” is never something we like to hear. Just the thought alone can cause us to feel anxious and worried. That’s why it’s important to understand that a root canal is a common procedure that can help maintain a healthy mouth for a lifetime. Understanding what’s involved and how it will be done can help ease the concerns of some patients once they realize that a root canal is an important step toward avoiding more serious dental issues.

Root Canal Symptoms

Boise dentists perform root canals on teeth with serious decay or teeth that have become infected. Decay or infection may require your Boise dentist to remove the tooth pulp to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria that can damage other teeth and gums. Symptoms that may indicate the need for a root canal include:

• Sensitivity or extended pain when a tooth comes into contact with hot or cold foods.
• Toothaches due to chewing or pressure.
• Swollen, tender gums near tooth.
• Discoloration of a tooth.

Even if you don’t suffer from some of the above symptoms, you may still have a decayed tooth. Not all signs are noticeable. It’s important to see your Boise dentist regularly to inspect the health of your teeth.

Catching Decay in Time

A root canal can be a viable treatment option when there is enough healthy tooth left for the Boise dental procedure. Root canals involve removing and replacing the pulp inside the tooth while preserving as much of the tooth as possible. When a tooth is severely decayed or infected however, extraction may be the only option. That’s why it’s important to catch the problem early.

The Benefits of a Root Canal

When a tooth is considered threatened, either because of decay or cracking, and infection is inevitable, a root canal may be required. A root canal procedure cleans out the infected pulp inside the tooth while removing nerves so that a patient won’t feel any discomfort or pain. When your Boise dentist places the filling inside the tooth and applies a Boise dental crown, this protects and reinforces the decayed tooth.

Visit Your Boise Dentist at Summit Dental

If you’re dealing with tooth pain or sensitivity, it’s important to call your Boise dentist at Summit Dental Group to make an appointment. Addressing decay early is essential when it comes to finding the best treatment option and protecting your healthy smile. Contact us by filling out our online form today or give our downtown office a call at (208) 314-2275 today!