Ignoring your dental problems can lead to a number of dental issues. Despite the importance of regularly visiting the dentist, more than a quarter of adults in the United States ignore their dental problems. Avoiding the dentist can lead to the need for a root canal as tooth decay and infections can impact more than just your oral health. If you find yourself in this position it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible. You may think, I need multiple root canals. Now what?

I Need Multiple Root Canals. Now What?

A root canal is necessary if the pulp in your teeth has become infected or severely damaged. The pulp is the innermost portion of your mouth and is filled with connective tissue, large nerves, and blood vessels. When it becomes infected it can lead to serious oral and overall health issues. Infected pulp can transfer to your surrounding teeth and impact them as well. This can lead to the need for multiple root canals. You may be concerned if your dental provider recommends a root canal for multiple teeth, but it’s important for your health to treat the issue. A skilled endodontist in Los Angeles can create a treatment plan that is right for you in order to address all of the oral procedures you need.

Warning Signs

Addressing dental issues early on is beneficial for your oral health. Some of the common warning signs that you may need a root canal include the following.

• Temperature Sensitivity: If you notice sensitivity in your teeth when you take a bite of cold ice cream or have your morning sip of coffee, it’s time to talk with a dental professional. Temperature sensitivity is an indicator of a more serious dental issue.
• Loose Teeth: If you notice that your teeth are loose and wiggly, it’s a strong sign of a dental issue. Avoid pushing or pulling on your teeth if you notice they are loose as it can cause more damage. Schedule a dental appointment immediately and be gentle with your teeth when you eat.
• Swelling and Redness: Swelling or redness around the impacted tooth should be taken seriously. You may notice a pulsating feeling in your gums. Be gentle with your teeth and gums when you brush and eat as you can exacerbate the symptoms.
• Pain: Whether frequent or long-lasting, pain can indicate that you may need a root canal. This includes pain in your teeth and also in your jaw as the issue can spread if not taken care of early on.

Root Canal Treatment

Root canals are common and highly effective procedures. One of the main benefits of a root canal in Los Angeles is that is preserves your natural tooth. The procedure is fast as one root canal takes no more than one hour. A root canal involves removing and disinfecting the infected pulp in your tooth. This is done by drilling a small hole into the infected tooth. Once the infected pulp is removed, the hole is sealed with a filling. You can get back to your normal daily routine afterwards and should have very mild symptoms, if at all.

Oral Care and Prevention

Preventing the need for a root canal is beneficial for your oral health. This involves regularly visiting the dentist and partaking in a consistent oral care routine. You should visit the dentist at least every six months. You may need to visit more often after your root canal as those with a history of tooth decay are at a higher risk for certain dental issues. Talk with your dental provider about how often you should visit the dentist.