Tooth sensitivity can put a major damper on your week. The mouth is a sensitive place, and if you’re experiencing pain when you brush or sensitivity to heat or cold, especially if you’re avoiding food because of it, stop putting off the inevitable: it’s time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ramin Goshtasbi.
What are the Symptoms of an Infected Tooth?
The first step toward root canal therapy is distinguishing between whether you have a cavity or whether you need a root canal, as they can feel similar. Of course, the only way you’ll really be able to tell is by visiting your dentist.
Cavities are caused by plaque buildup that decays the tooth, whereas a tooth that needs root canal therapy means there is an infection deep inside the tooth. Cavities are common, even among those of us who take great care of our teeth, and can be fixed with a simple filling. Root canal therapy, however, is a little more involved. Some symptoms that indicate you may need intervention with a root canal include:
- Tooth sensitivity, especially when eating or drinking foods or liquids that are hot or cold
- Tooth soreness that radiates throughout the tooth, gum and jaw
- Pain that feels like it’s coming from the root of the tooth rather than the crown
- Gum sensitivity
- Feeling ill, sometimes accompanied by fever and flu-like symptoms
What Exactly is Root Canal Therapy?
If you suspect you need a root canal, schedule an appointment with Dr. Goshtasbi, as he’ll be able to provide a diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
The first thing Dr. Goshtasbi will do is to listen to your symptoms. He’ll take an x-ray, determining the depth of infection in your tooth. If Dr. Goshtasbi sees infection that a simple filling can’t fix, he’ll suggest the more invasive root canal therapy.
Dr. Goshtasbi and his team of experts will open your tooth and remove all infected material from your teeth, cleaning the inside of the tooth as well. He will refill the now-hollow tooth with material that is bacteria resistant, preventing further tooth damage. Usually, you’ll also receive a new crown.
Patients often bristle at the phrase “root canal.” However, Dr. Goshtasbi will numb your mouth, and patients typically feel less pain during the procedure than they have been feeling in the days leading up to the root canal therapy. In a few days, your mouth will feel normal and healthy again, and you’ll be able to eat, drink and brush your teeth like before the pain began.
We’ll Ease Your Pain
You don’t have to live your life in pain and avoid eating hard foods. If a tooth or teeth are feeling sensitive, sore and you’re avoiding eating, it’s time to come in and see us; we’ll have you feeling better in no time.
To schedule a root canal appointment with Dr. Ramin Goshtasbi of Oasis Dental Arts in Scripps Ranch, please call (858) 271-1010 today.