Five ways to tell if you need a root canal.

A root canal is a dental treatment that eliminates decay from the pulp and root of your tooth.

Your teeth have enamel on the outside, dentin on the inside, and a soft inner core that extends into the root in your jawbone. In the center is the tooth pulp, which contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue.

When deterioration penetrates the softcore, the pulp becomes irritated and infected. A root canal is a procedure for the removal of decay.

What happens during a root canal procedure?

A root canal removes decay while keeping the affected tooth. Your dentist will perform the following during the procedure:

• Removal of bacteria and decay from the pulp, root, and nerve of your tooth
• Use antibiotics to disinfect the region.
• Filling of missing roots

This procedure is performed by either your conventional dentist or an endodontist. The process preserves your natural tooth and avoids additional decay.

What are the symptoms of a root canal?

The only way to know if you require a root canal is to visit your dentist. However, there are various indications to be aware of. Furthermore, you should immediately see your dentist if you detect these symptoms.

Continuous pain

Persistent toothache is one of the signs that you may need a root canal. The pain in your tooth can be constant or go away for a period and then return. Moreover, you may feel pain deep within the bone of your tooth. You may also experience pain in your cheek, jaw, or other teeth.

Other tooth pain can have a variety of causes like:

• Periodontal disease
• Pain from a sinus infection or another condition
• A damaged filling
• An infected tooth

If you have tooth pain, regardless of the source, you should see your dentist, especially if the discomfort is severe.

Sensitive teeth

Do you suddenly feel toothache when you eat hot food or drink a cup of coffee? Or do you feel pain when you eat ice cream or sip an icy-cold glass of water?

Sensitivity might cause pain. If the discomfort persists for an extended time, even after you stop eating or drinking, you may require a root canal. Moreover, if your tooth hurts when you eat or drink something hot or cold, it could mean that your tooth's nerves are infected or damaged.

Swollen gums

Swollen gums near a sore tooth may indicate a problem that necessitates a root canal. Similarly, you can have a pimple on your gum, known as a gum boil, parulis, or abscess. As a result, the infection in your tooth can cause the pimple to flow pus. This might cause a nasty taste and make your breath smell awful.

Cracked tooth

Bacteria can enter a broken tooth due to an accident, a contact sport, or chewing on something hard, leading to pain and infection.

Even if you do not chip or shatter your teeth, the accident may still cause nerve damage. The nerve can become inflamed, causing pain and sensitivity and necessitating root canal therapy.

Loose tooth

When you have an infected tooth, it may feel looser. If more than one tooth feels loose, you likely need root canal treatment.

Ways to prevent root canal

To avoid a root canal, maintain the same oral hygiene routines that help prevent cavities and other tooth problems. To keep your teeth healthy, aim to make the following steps a habit:

• Brush your teeth twice a day, at the very least.
• Floss your teeth every day.
• Use fluoride toothpaste
• Have your teeth thoroughly cleaned by your dentist.

Conclusion

An infection in the root of your tooth can cause discomfort and pain. If you experience persistent tooth pain or other symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist to receive a diagnosis and treatment.

Contact your Lafayette dentist, Dr. Massood Darvishzadeh, DDS at Lafayette Dental Group to know more about Root Canal.

Resource:

Common Concerns About Root Canal

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