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Get to the Root of Your Pain with a Root Canal in Longview

January 11, 2018

Filed under: Uncategorized — longviewdentalcenter @ 5:19 pm

woman holds jaw from tooth painOne of the amazing things about the human body is that it has built-in mechanisms to protect it and you. An example is the nervous system, which delivers a pain sensation when something is damaged, encouraging you to do something to fix it before it escalates into a larger problem. So if you’ve been experiencing severe tooth pain, it’s your body’s way of letting you know that there is an existing problem that requires your attention. Furthermore, it could be a sign that you need a restorative procedure like a root canal of Longview. Learn more about the symptoms and how the process works.

Signs That You May Need a Root Canal

There are a few signs to be aware of that could suggest the necessity of a root canal. They are:

  • Sensitivity to Pressure – You may notice that when you bite down into food, a sharp pain shoots through your tooth. When you notice an acute sensitivity to pressure like this, you may need a root canal.
  • Strong Response to Temperature Extremes – If hot or cold foods cause prolonged periods of intense pain, this could be a sign that you need a root canal. Conversely, discomfort that’s just associated with worn enamel should be temporary and less painful.
  • Toothache – If the tooth hurts without any food and drink consumption this could be a sign that you need a root canal.

How Does the Root Canal Procedure Work?

The root canal procedure is used when tooth decay has gotten to a point where a simple filling won’t work, because the damage has permeated the inner tooth, where the pulp is. And the pulp houses the tooth’s nerves. It is the contact between food particles and liquids with the tooth’s nerves that cause the severe discomfort that you’ve been experiencing.

Therefore, the procedure begins with your dentist in Longview removing the decayed tissue, cleaning the pulp area and filling it. He’ll then seal your tooth to protect it from any further bacteria intrusion.

Prevention

Your tooth is now restored to its previous condition, and it’s great that you acted when you did. If you had waited a little longer, there’s a great chance that the damage would have been so severe that the tooth couldn’t be salvaged. Then you would have had to consider a more invasive solution like tooth extraction and a dental implant to replace it.

But to prevent this problem from happening in the future, make sure to practice excellent oral hygiene, which involves brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice a day, eating healthier foods and using mouthwash.

The final great tool you have at your disposal is your dentist. By maintaining semi-annual visits for cleanings and examinations, you’ll be sure to guard against any major issues and guarantee yourself a healthy oral future.

About the Author

Dr. George R. Stoddard received his undergraduate degree from Sam Houston University, and then went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. He enjoys caring for all his patients at Longview Dental Center and can be reached for more information through his website.

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