map marker 44 Everett St., Southbridge, MA 01550 phone icon(508) 764-4600

calendar icon Open Mon-Thurs: 8am-5pm, Every Other Fri: 8am-5pm, Every Other Sat: 8am-1pm

Do I Need a Root Canal?

Illustration showing the stages of root canal therapy

Why Root Canal Therapy?

A tooth is treated with root canal therapy if its innermost layer, the pulp, becomes damaged or infected. Tooth infections can occur if tooth decay or physical trauma has compromised the outer layer of the tooth, allowing bacteria to enter. To help prevent infection, brush and floss your teeth every day. Another good prevention is a properly fitted mouthguard either for protection when playing sports or to prevent damage from nighttime teeth grinding. If your tooth gets cracked or broken, seek urgent treatment before an infection can occur.

Does Root Canal Treatment Hurt?

If you’ve been prescribed root canal treatment, don’t worry! Due to modern advancements in dentistry, root canals are virtually painless. Root canals always involve local anesthetic, which completely numbs the gums. We also offer relaxing sedation options that can help relieve dental anxiety. A small opening will be created in the top of the tooth so the infected tooth pulp can be removed and the tooth can be cleaned out. Once the infection has been treated, sometimes a restoration like a dental crown or bridge will be placed over the tooth. This will help ensure that the tooth functions properly and the infection won’t return.

Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?

The only way to tell if you need a root canal treatment is by getting an official diagnosis from a dentist. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, we recommend contacting Southbridge Dental Care for an appointment to see if a root canal or other treatment is necessary:

  • Pain while chewing or biting down
  • Tender or swollen gums
  • Sudden tooth sensitivity
  • Bump on the gums near the tooth
  • Change in tooth color

What Happens If I Don’t Get a Root Canal?

If a root canal treatment is postponed or ignored for too long, an emergency root canal could become necessary. The last available option is a dental extraction. When the tooth has become damaged beyond repair it must be extracted and replaced with a dental restoration. The best thing to do is to visit our office before the infection becomes worse so our expert team can help restore your smile through a gentle root canal procedure. Contact us today for a consultation.

Contact Us