Dental issues can manifest themselves in a variety of ways, but when one of your teeth becomes infected, a root canal may be the only suitable option for restoring your natural tooth. However, you may not have ever undergone this type of procedure, which can cause you to have a limited understanding about it. Once you have learned the answers to the following questions, you will have more of the information you need to be an informed patient.  

How Can You Tell If You Need A Root Canal?

There can be many warning signs that your tooth is in need of this procedure, but some of the more common involve swelling, fever, tooth pain and throbbing. Unfortunately, it will be impossible for you to determine whether the procedure is needed without a professional diagnosis. However, if you notice these symptoms developing, you should seek treatment as soon as possible. 

If these symptoms are addressed early, this procedure will likely be far less invasive because the infection will not have spread very far into the tooth's internal tissue. Unfortunately, when the mistake of delaying this treatment is made, the infection can damage the tooth to the point where a root canal is no longer viable. In these scenarios, it will be necessary for the tooth to be extracted to stop the spread of the infection. 

Will It Be Visibly Apparent That You Had A Root Canal?

Some patients may be worried about the visible signs that a root canal has been done to the tooth. Fortunately, these signs are usually minimal. For example, it will be necessary to put a protective crown on the tooth after this procedure has been completed. In many cases, you will be able to use a porcelain or composite resin crown, which will barely be noticeable.

The is a small chance that your tooth may become slightly discolored following this procedure. While this may be an embarrassing side effect, there are options for correcting this problem. For example, your dentist may be able to apply veneers to restore the tooth's appearance. Contact a local dentist, such as one from Round Lake Dental Clinic, for further assistance.

A root canal may be the best option for saving an infected tooth, and while this procedure is relatively routine, there are many patients that are not particularly informed about it. As a result, these individuals can easily feel stress at the thought of undergoing this treatment. By understanding the signs that a root canal may be needed and the cosmetic impacts this procedure may have, you should be more informed, which can help reduce the stress you feel at the thought of this treatment.