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Do You Need a Root Canal?

Discover the telltale signs that you might need to get root canal treatment.root canal

If there is a problem going on with your oral health it’s important that you get the problem treated as soon as possible. As you might know, ignoring or leaving dental issues untreated can end up leading to more serious complications such as tooth and bone loss. This is why our Somerdale and Camden County, NJ, dentists Dr. Joseph Sullivan and Dr. Jeffrey Turner are here to provide you with common warning signs that could mean that you need root canal therapy.

Why might I need root canal treatment?

This procedure is recommended if the dental pulp (a structure found inside a tooth) is inflamed or diseased. This happens when decay, infection, or direct trauma was significant enough to penetrate the hard enamel layers and affect the inside of the tooth. Once the pulp has been infected the only option is to have it removed.

If this problem isn’t addressed, the infection or bacteria will continue to spread to the tooth’s roots and the surrounding bone, which can lead to bone and tooth loss.

How do I know that I need root canal treatment?

Unfortunately, it isn’t always obvious. So, no matter how healthy your smile might seem it’s still crucial for everyone to visit their Camden County, NJ general dentist twice a year for checkups. Even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms we have the skills and training to be able to pinpoint problems right away that you could easily miss.

Of course, there are certain symptoms that can still arise that could tip you off to the fact that something is wrong. You will want to come in right away if you experience any of these issues,

  • A toothache that is severe or appears suddenly
  • Dental pain that is made worse by chewing, biting down or putting pressure on the tooth
  • Swollen, inflamed, red or tender gums around the tooth
  • Increased or sudden sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks (you may also notice that the affected tooth is more sensitive to sugar)
  • Tooth discoloration or darkening
  • The development of a pimple-like growth on the gums (this is a sign of infection)

Here at Sullivan & Turner we believe that everyone in Camden County, NJ, should get the proper dental care they need. Whether you just need to schedule your upcoming dental cleaning or you are dealing with these symptoms above, don’t hesitate to call us today to schedule an appointment.