Root Canals

When Do You Need a Root Canal Procedure?

As a specialist in restorative dentistry, Dr. Eric J. Aubert has had to perform root canals on many patients. In most instances, he will recommend this procedure if your tooth or teeth have been damaged by severe decay. Instead of pulling the tooth, he will try to save it, if possible. However, there are certain cases where performing this type of procedure may not be necessary. In any case, we will schedule you for an evaluation appointment to determine whether the procedure will be required.

Here are three (3) specific signs or symptoms to look for that may indicate the need for endodontic therapy or a root canal procedure:

• Exterior tooth discoloration – When there is extensive decay in a tooth, the outside of it will look different from your other teeth due to discoloration. You will have to be very close to a mirror to identify this sign.
• Pain at the tooth site – Depending on how your body is positioned, pain could decrease or become very intense and may range from minor discomfort to unbearable. The pain could be triggered if the tooth is exposed to cold and hot foods and/or liquids. In more severe cases, the patient is unable to sleep.
• Swelling and tenderness of the gums – Swelling varies from one case to the next. It is hardly noticeable in some cases, while in others, it is very pronounced. You may experience a great deal of tenderness, as well. In the most severe cases, swelling could be noticeable in the facial, near the tooth, as well as down into the neck area.

If you have been suffering from any of these symptoms or a combination of them, you should contact Forest Park Dental and schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric J. Aubert immediately.

Proper Diagnosis

A proper diagnosis is always required before undergoing any root canal procedure in St. Louis. In some cases, you may not be a candidate for this type of dental procedure, and that will be easier to determine once you have been examined and evaluated. For you to receive an accurate diagnosis, Forest Park Dental will need to collect specific information from three (3) different sources, including:

• signs and symptoms that you have noticed
• signs and symptoms that Dr. Eric J. Aubert notices
• tests on the tooth in question

You and the dentist will want to take the three signs and symptoms above into consideration as well. Additionally, there may be others that aren’t as apparent as those three and that you aren’t aware of.

Undergoing root canal treatment may leave you with slight discomfort, and some people might experience slight pain. Though temporary and will reduce quickly, you can call or visit us. Our dentists will be happy to offer pain management treatment or write a prescription that reduces the discomfort after the procedure has been completed. We care about you and your oral health, and that is why we advise proper brushing and flossing regularly.