Sensitive teeth can be a regular issue for a lot of people. It can prevent you from enjoying hot and cold treats. Although sensitivity usually arises from enamel wear or gum recession, it can occur because of deeper dental problems that require root canal therapy. Prolonged tooth pain and sensitivity may leave you wondering if you should undergo this procedure. Consult a dentist in Great Neck, NY to know if root canal therapy is your best option.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
To better understand how a root canal procedure helps, understand the causes of sensitive teeth. Sensitivity happens when the tooth’s underlying layers become exposed to cold, hot, or pressure. It can be caused by the following:
- Enamel erosion. The tooth’s outer layer is called enamel, and it can wear down eventually because of poor oral hygiene, aggressive brushing, or acidic foods.
- Gum recession. Gum recession exposes your teeth and makes them more sensitive to changes in temperature.
- Dental cavities or decay. Tooth decay can damage the enamel and lead to the formation of a cavity. Cavities expose the tooth’s soft tissue known as pulp, which can result in discomfort or pain.
- Tooth cracks. A tooth crack can expose nerves, leading to sensitivity or sharp pain.
Persistent or worsening tooth sensitivity should be checked by a dentist. Your dentist will determine the right way to approach your condition.
What to Know About a Root Canal Treatment
Root canal therapy treats pulp infection or damage. The pulp is the soft tissue located inside your tooth. It contains nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels. When infected, or inflamed because of injury or decay, it can result in serious pain, abscess formation, and swelling.
During a root canal procedure, your dentist will get rid of the infected pulp. Then, they will clean and disinfect the affected tooth and seal it. A filling or crown is used to restore the tooth to protect it from more damage and let it function again.
Addressing Tooth Sensitivity with Root Canal Therapy
A root canal procedure can offer the best solution when an inflamed or infected tooth pulp causes tooth sensitivity. It works by:
- Relieving pain. A pulp infection or inflammation can cause serious tooth pain. A root canal procedure can address the underlying problem, offering long-term relief from sensitivity and pain.
- Preventing further damage. As your dentist gets rid of the infected pulp and seals the affected tooth, the infection cannot spread to surrounding tissue or teeth. This can preserve your teeth and avoid needing tooth extraction or other extensive procedures.
- Restoring tooth function. Following a root canal procedure, your dentist seals the treated tooth and restores its strength by fitting it with a crown. This lets you chew, speak, and bite normally without sensitivity and discomfort.
When to Consider a Root Canal Treatment
Typically, dentists recommend a root canal treatment if sensitivity is caused by more serious concerns like the following:
- Deep tooth decay. Once a tooth cavity reaches the pulp and causes infection or inflammation, your dentist may recommend a root canal procedure to save the tooth.
- Tooth crack. Cracks that reach the pulp will expose nerves, resulting in serious pain. A very deep crack may require root canal therapy to repair the affected tooth.
- Persistent tooth sensitivity or pain. Tooth sensitivity that persists over a few days and gets worse over time may need to be addressed with a root canal procedure.
Tooth sensitivity because of enamel erosion, gum recession, or other oral health problems may be addressed with alternative treatments like fluoride treatments, dental sealants, or desensitizing toothpaste. Root canal procedures can treat tooth sensitivity due to infection or decay that occurs deep inside the tooth.
