When Does a Toothache Mean You Need a Root Canal?

Does a persistent ache in your tooth mean you need a root canal? Pain of any kind needs attention. If it’s intense pain or comes with other symptoms such as a fever, then you should contact your emergency dentist in Indianapolis, IN. A root canal, though, is a specific procedure done for a particular reason.

What Is a Root Canal?

During a root canal, the dentist removes infected pulp from the tooth’s root. The pulp is the part of the tooth that contains the nerves and blood vessels. Once the pulp is removed, your dentist in Indianapolis, IN, will thoroughly clean the inside of the root to remove any bacteria and then seal it to prevent the infection from recurring.

Why Is a Root Canal Necessary?

The purpose of a root canal is to save the natural tooth. Without this procedure, it would be necessary to remove the tooth. By preserving the roots, the dentist can use them to secure a prosthetic tooth or crown, keeping as much of the natural tooth in place as possible.

Does a Toothache Mean You Need a Root Canal?

The most honest answer to this question is ‘maybe.’ Pain is a symptom of infection in the tooth, and the most common treatment for that is a root canal. However, other dental problems might cause pain.

For example, there might be a cavity in that tooth. A cavity is a hole in the tooth that can expose the nerves, causing pain. It’s possible that you have a chip or crack in your tooth and are not aware of it. That might also expose the nerve.

If you have a toothache, the only thing you know for sure is that you need emergency dental care in Indianapolis, IN, to find out why. Call today and make an appointment.