Sharp pain when you bite down, or a dull ache that won’t quite go away, sound familiar? Those are often the first clues that something deeper than a cavity is going on. Root canal treatment exists to save a tooth once the pulp inside it becomes infected or inflamed, rather than removing the tooth altogether.
Here’s what typically leads to one, and what the visit involves.
Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
A few warning signs tend to show up together, and any of these are worth a call to a dentist in Germantown, MD:
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold that doesn’t fade quickly
- Pain when chewing or applying pressure to a specific tooth
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums near one tooth
- A tooth that has darkened or discolored on its own
The ADA notes that leaving an infected tooth untreated can allow the infection to spread and put the tooth at risk of being lost entirely.
What Happens During Treatment
Once we confirm a root canal is the right call, the visit is more straightforward than most people expect. We numb the area, create a small opening in the tooth, then clean out the infected pulp and seal the canal with a rubber-like material. Most people need a follow-up visit for a crown or filling to protect the tooth going forward. We rely on digital imaging throughout to see exactly what we’re treating.
Need a Root Canal in Germantown?
Advanced Dental Center is a general, family, and cosmetic dental practice that has helped Germantown families keep their natural teeth for more than 25 years. If a tooth has been bothering you, our team of general dentists can take a look and talk through whether root canal treatment, or something else entirely, is the right next step.
As part of our broader family dentistry in Germantown, restorative care like this is something we handle every week, not the exception. Have a tooth that’s been nagging you? Reach out and let’s get it sorted before it gets worse.
