Reasons Indianapolis area patients may seek a root canal doctor

Root canal procedures have a bad reputation. Many patients fear that the treatment is painful. You may even have heard someone say, “I’d rather have a root canal, than ____.” However, in the hands of an experienced root canal doctor in Indianapolis, the procedure is not inherently painful and actually works to relieve discomfort caused by an infection.

Root canals are a final effort to save a tooth that has become infected deep within the pulp. The pulp houses blood supply and nerves for the tooth, which why infection causes so much pain. There are many reasons a tooth may become infected; the most common being decay, or trauma that results in fractures.

Common symptoms

It may not be immediately evident that you need a root canal, but these symptoms should lead you to see your dentist right away:

• Deep, throbbing pain – This is the most significant indicator of infection. Pain may be so intense and debilitating that it keeps patients from normal daily functions.
• Swollen, sensitive gums – Some patients with infection will notice pain in the gums rather than the tooth. Inflamed gums can also be a sign of periodontal disease, so it is important to see the dentist for accurate evaluation and treatment
• Pain when biting or chewing – If you take a bite of food and are met with sharp, intense pain, it may indicate infection is present. Patients should also take note of increased sensitivity or persistent pain, and have that evaluated

While no one wants to have a root canal, it is a vital option for the patient who prefers to save an infected tooth. Without it, the infection may spread, putting the tooth at risk for extraction.

Don’t ignore or “push through” severe toothache. If you are in the Indianapolis area, call us today at (317) 333-6788 to have it assessed and treated.

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