Root canals not only save at-risk teeth but also relieve your pain. Our Trenton, MI, dentist, Dr. Nicholas Booker of Booker Family Dentistry, 
explains how the procedure is performed and discusses changes in your teeth or gums that may indicate you need a root canal.
Removing pulp eliminates pain
Root canals are performed when the pulp at the center of your tooth becomes inflamed or infected. During root canal therapy, the pulp is removed, which eliminates the pain and ensures that your tooth doesn't become so damaged that it must be removed. After the interior of the tooth and the root canals are thoroughly cleaned and shaped with tiny files, a temporary filling is added to the tooth. It's replaced with a permanent filling in our Trenton office about a week or two later.
Pain is a useful warning sign
Inflammation or infection triggers pain that can be hard to ignore. At first, the pain may come and go, but it will eventually become constant. Some people who need root canals report severe, throbbing pain, while others only experience mild pain. No matter what level of pain you notice, removing your pulp with a root canal is essential if you want to keep your tooth. If you need a root canal, you may notice that your pain tends to increase when you chew on the tooth or if you eat hot, cold, or sugary foods.
Things may not look quite the same
Inflammation or infection not only causes pain, but may affect the way your tooth and gum look. Sudden darkening of your tooth or swollen gums can be signs that there is something wrong deep inside your tooth. If you have an abscess, you might see pus or even a bump that resembles a pimple on your gum.
A fever may be a sign of an abscess
The bacterial infection that causes a tooth abscess may also cause you to feel sick. Suspect an abscess if you have a fever, swollen glands, facial swelling, and severe pain. In fact, your tooth may hurt so much that it's impossible to sleep. Because your infection can spread, it's important to call us as soon as you notice these symptoms. In addition to a root canal, you'll also need to take antibiotics.
Root canals can help your protect your smile. Call our Trenton, MI, dentist, Dr. Booker of Booker Family Dentistry, at (734) 675-5700 if you notice any of these signs.