Is Your Headache Signaling You Need A Root Canal?

Are you experiencing headaches daily? Do you wonder if it is because of a dental problem? Root canal treatment can repair or save teeth that have an exposed nerve, inflamed tooth pulp, or deep tooth decay. Many patients at Bay City Dental Center fear root canals because they’re scared that they will hurt. However, a root canal is actually a toothache pain relief treatment that will help resolve your tooth root pain. Root canal treatment in Bay City, MI helps improve our patients’ oral health. During a dental exam, Dr. Matthew Ward can listen to your symptoms and examine your teeth and gums to determine if you need a root canal.

Why you may need a root canal

A tooth’s pulp can become irritated, infected, or inflamed due to broken, cracked, or chipped teeth, facial trauma, deep or large fillings, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, or deep tooth decay. The pulp of the tooth contains nerve cells, connective tissue, and blood vessels. Untreated cavities allow bacteria to get inside the tooth, where an infection can develop. While pain can go away, an infection cannot without proper treatment from Dr. Ward. At Bay City Dental Center, we use root canal therapy to improve a tooth’s health. Any opening in tooth enamel gives bacteria the opportunity to get into the pulp. Whenever you have a broken, cracked, or chipped tooth, or chronic headaches with tooth sensitivity, it’s important to schedule an appointment at our dental office.

Signs you need a root canal

There are many signs you need a root canal in Bay City, MI, including:

1. Chronic headaches

2. Tooth sensitivity

3. Pain when biting or chewing

4. Swelling in the gums

5. Yellowing or discoloration on a tooth

6. Persistent or recurring pimple on the gumline

Sometimes, patients do not experience any symptoms at all. This is why it’s so important to have regular dental exams and dental cleanings to make sure your oral health remains at its best.

What happens during a root canal?

During a root canal, Dr. Ward drills through the crown of the tooth to reach the infected pulp inside the tooth. Next, he cleans the tooth thoroughly, and all of the pulp is removed. Once the pulp is removed, and the tooth is cleaned, he uses gutta-percha to close off the tooth so that infection cannot occur again. Next, a temporary filling is placed. To finish a root canal, a crown is used. This is a long-term solution to tooth pain.

Recovery after a root canal

A follow-up visit allows us to fit your crown or cap. If you are still experiencing pain after your root canal, it’s important to let Dr. Ward know. In rare instances, an infection from a root canal can go so deep that it is below the tooth. If this happens, he may refer you to a specialist for surgery. However, most of our patients have no pain after their root canal.

Improve oral health and resolve pain with a root canal

When you’re experiencing tooth pain, tooth sensitivity, or red, swollen, or tender gums, schedule a dental exam at Bay City Dental Center quickly. Dr. Matthew Ward can evaluate your teeth and gums to determine if you need a root canal. Schedule an appointment right away at our Bay City, MI, dental office if you’re experiencing chronic headaches or tooth pain.