A root canal is a dental procedure that cleans out the damaged and decayed soft tissue in your tooth. According to the American Association of Endodontics, it is a fairly routine procedure that over 15 million Americans undergo each year.

So, when should you consider a root canal procedure? Let’s find out.

Dr. Lev Korovin and Dr. Farhana Rassiwala at Stockton Creative Dental in Stockton, California, offer comprehensive dental services for you and your family and can help you determine if a root canal procedure is recommended for your dental condition.

Here is when a root canal procedure may be necessary:

• Your Tooth Is Sensitive to Heat and Cold

Do you feel a tinge of pain when you drink a cold glass of water, eat a scoop of ice cream, or have a cup of hot coffee? You may need a root canal procedure as tooth sensitivity is a sign that suggests the soft tissues in your tooth are either damaged or infected.

• You Feel Pain When You Eat

If you feel a shooting pain when you eat, it is a sign of nerve or tooth pulp damage. Once you notice the problem, monitor it to see if it is persistent or it goes away. Then, contact our team at Stockton Creative Dental to schedule an appointment and assess if a root canal procedure is necessary.

• Your Tooth Is Chipped or Cracked

When you have a chipped or cracked tooth, tiny bacteria can slip through the cracks and further damage the nerves and blood vessels in the teeth.

Over time, the inflamed nerves can cause pain and sensitivity that won’t go away. When you experience this, you will most likely need a root canal procedure to relieve the pain.

• You Have Swollen Gums

When your tooth is damaged, the gum tissue surrounding it can swell up. The swelling often comes and goes and the gums may feel tender to the touch. In such cases, a root canal procedure may be necessary.

• Your Tooth Has Come Loose

A damaged or infected tooth may come loose because of pulpal necrosis or nerve death. In such cases, you may even lose your tooth if you don’t take appropriate action and get a root canal procedure done as soon as possible.

A root canal procedure can treat tooth infections and even strengthen your teeth when followed by a crown or a dental implant procedure.

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with our dentists at Stockton Creative Dental right away. Call (209) 466-5000 or visit us at 2043 E, Fremont St. #8, Stockton, CA 95205 for more information.