Do I Need a Root Canal Treatment?

Root canals can save or repair teeth affected by infection or decay. If a tooth doesn’t receive the necessary treatment, the surrounding tissue may become infected and develop abscesses. The procedure involves removing the inflamed and infected nerve and pulp from the tooth.

At Urban Family Dental, we offer root canal treatments for patients in Charlotte and the surrounding areas. Don’t delay in saving your tooth—call us today at (704) 900-5445
to schedule an appointment and learn more.

Types of Crowns

Porcelain

Aesthetic crowns that are free of visible metals and are closely matched to your surrounding teeth.

Gold

Made from a gold alloy, these crowns withstand heavy biting and chewing pressure, making them ideal for
back teeth.

Porcelain Fused to Metal

A type of ceramic crown with a reinforced metal base underneath.

Relieving Pain with Root Canals

Dental issues that necessitate root canals often leave patients feeling quite uncomfortable. At the very least, they may experience an intense toothache that can occur spontaneously, even when the tooth isn’t in use. This discomfort can escalate into severe headaches, and many patients may not realize the connection between the two.

A living tooth can also be sensitive to heat and cold, even after the stimulus is removed, with heat sensitivity being particularly pronounced. For teeth that have died and become abscessed, pain may occur when chewing or applying pressure. Abscesses can lead to swelling or bleeding, sometimes requiring emergency treatment.

“The underlying issues that lead to root canals can often leave patients feeling uncomfortable.”

When to Consult a Dentist About Root Canals

Several factors can lead to the need for a root canal, and these conditions often present with various symptoms. Common signs include chips or cracks in the teeth, pain while eating or touching the affected tooth, persistent discomfort, sensitivity to heat and cold, and swollen gums.

Chips or cracks create openings for bacteria to enter, resulting in infection and inflammation. Tooth sensitivity may indicate severe decay or nerve damage, and toothaches generally signal the need to see a dentist.

Sensitivity may persist longer if the blood vessels and nerves inside the tooth are infected or damaged. Swelling can fluctuate and is often linked to abscesses, which may come with an unpleasant taste or odor.

Infected teeth may feel looser than healthy ones due to nerve death causing the surrounding bone to weaken. Additionally, teeth may appear grayish-black when the roots are damaged and the internal tissue has deteriorated.

"These conditions can present with a range of symptoms."

When Root Canals Are the Only Option

Root canal treatments are essential when the pulp of a tooth becomes inflamed or infected and needs to be removed. This can occur due to deep decay, cracks or chips in the tooth, faulty crowns, or repeated dental procedures. It's important to note that facial trauma can also damage the pulp even if there are no visible chips or cracks. If pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can lead to pain or the formation of an abscess.

Untreated teeth with damaged pulp will eventually die, negatively affecting your overall oral health and making eating and chewing difficult. Root canals aim to preserve the remaining tooth structure, and the procedure may be followed by placing an implant or crown.

"Root canal treatments are required when the pulp of a tooth becomes inflamed or infected and needs to be extracted."

Alternatives to Root Canals

Root canals can effectively address issues caused by infection and decay. However, for the treatment to be successful, there must be enough natural tooth structure remaining to preserve. While it’s ideal to save natural teeth whenever possible, some may be beyond repair. For instance, teeth with severe fractures or cracks extending below the gum line may be better suited for extraction.

If extraction is necessary, patients should consider dental implants as a replacement option. Dental implants closely resemble, feel, and function like natural teeth, helping to maintain the appearance of your smile. They consist of artificial tooth roots surgically placed into the jaw to support an artificial tooth, known as a crown or pontic. Our team can help you determine the best option for your needs.

"However, for the treatment to be effective, there must be sufficient natural tooth structure remaining to preserve."

Emergency Root Canals

Since every tooth requiring a root canal is in the process of dying, patients should view each root canal as an emergency procedure. Delaying treatment can increase the risk of pulp necrosis, where the pulp of the tooth dies completely. Only a root canal or tooth extraction can address the symptoms of pulp necrosis. If left untreated, this condition may lead to serious complications, including infection, fever, jaw swelling, cellulitis, abscesses (even in the brain), sinusitis, periodontitis, and bone loss.

If you are experiencing severe toothaches when biting or chewing, sensitivity to hot or cold (especially heat), darkening or discoloration of the teeth, swollen or tender gums, or pimples on the gums, contact our office immediately.

"Because every tooth that needs a root canal is in the process of dying, patients should treat each root canal as an emergency procedure."

Questions Answered on This Page

What kind of pain can be addressed by a root canal treatment?
Do I need a root canal procedure?
When are root canal treatments necessary?
Are there any alternatives to root canals?
Do I need an emergency root canal?

Frequently Asked Questions

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Dental Terminology

Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite.
Decay
Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.
Dental Caries
Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
Dental Checkup
A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
Dental Filling
A dental filling involves restoring the structure of the tooth by using metal, alloy, porcelain or plastic to fill the tooth.
Dental Prophylaxis
A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
Dental Sealants
Dental sealants contain a resinous material that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to prevent dental caries.
Dentist
A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.
Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth.
Tartar
Tartar forms when plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth and calcifies into a hard surface that is much more difficult to remove and will require professional treatment.
Tooth Enamel
Tooth enamel is the protective visible outer surface of a tooth that contains the dentin and dental pulp.