If decay or a crack reaches the nerve deep inside your tooth, or if the nerve is exposed during an injury, the tooth will begin to die, abscess, or deteriorate from the inside. Fortunately, root canal therapy can preserve the remaining tooth structure for several more years.
How to Tell if You Need a Root Canal
Sometimes it’s not obvious whether or not a tooth is abscessed or dying. We will want to take an X-ray of the root to screen for abscesses. Additionally, we can test the tooth during your exam to screen for nerve inflammation or large cavities that may be triggering tooth pain. If your tooth hurts to bite down, you have a visible abscess, or it is hypersensitive to sweet or hot temperatures, you may need a root canal.
Despite what some people may think, root canals are generally not painful, and our goal is to remove the infected nerve without causing additional discomfort. Once the damaged or infected nerve is removed, we clean all of the nerve canals and seal them off. This root filling process prevents recurring infections and protects the surrounding tooth structures.
Unfortunately, abscessed or dying teeth cannot be restored without a root canal. The only other solution is to extract the tooth altogether. By practicing minimally invasive dentistry and early intervention, our Noblesville dentists can reduce your need for endodontic treatment and perform comfortable root canals when needed. By preserving your tooth with one of our various restorations, you can reduce your risk of tooth loss and the additional concerns that come with it (such as bone deterioration and replacing missing teeth.)
When a tooth cannot be saved, dental implants in Noblesville may be recommended to fully restore your smile.
Monday:
8:00AM–5:00PM
Tuesday:
8:00AM–5:00PM
Wednesday:
8:00AM–5:00PM
Thursday:
8:00AM–2:00PM
Friday:
8:00AM–2:00PM
