A root canal is a procedure that dentists can perform to stop infection inside a tooth by removing its pulp, or the material in the center of a tooth. Since teeth are made of enamel and other hard materials, they do not swell up to warn you that an infection might be present, like other areas of the body might. You should know the symptoms that indicate the need for a root canal, so you can seek treatment promptly.
A tooth may fall victim to decay that can be fixed with a filling or crown, but a root canal could be the only way to save a tooth when infection sets in. Signs that indicate that a root canal may be necessary include the following.
Many people describe the pain of an infected tooth as one of the worst that they have ever felt, primarily because it does not usually respond to over-the-counter pain medicines. It can be hard to sleep or eat, and the pain may be constant or come in waves. Tooth pain that interferes with a person’s daily life should be addressed by a dentist immediately.
Teeth may be temporarily sensitive to heat, cold, or certain foods when a specific triggering event occurs, such as biting into ice cream or eating immediately after a whitening treatment. This surprising jolt usually subsides a few moments after the trigger.
However, if tooth sensitivity continues for a long time after a triggering event or a particular tooth has suddenly become sensitive, it is time to visit the dentist. The nerves inside an infected tooth may be falling victim to infection and are often inflamed, thereby responding more aggressively to formerly minor stimuli.
A tooth’s inner chamber (the pulp) is connected to the gums and eventually, the jawbone. If an infection progresses far enough to exit the tooth’s pulp chamber, it can also cause swelling and abscesses in the surrounding gums. Inflammation, bumps, or unusual redness in the gums around a specific tooth are always worth visiting a dental professional for an exam.
Once an infection begins, teeth have few options for combatting it. As the formerly healthy inside of a tooth decays, it can start to change color. Discolored teeth that turn brown, black, gray, or dark yellow are likely dying and need immediate attention.
Patients may notice that their tooth is not necessarily discolored but is still lacking its former luster. This can occur as the infection cuts off the blood supply inside the tooth. Any unusual changes to teeth warrant a dental visit.
An infection inside a tooth can be uncomfortable, but it does not have to mean losing the tooth entirely. A root canal can save the tooth by eliminating the infection while preserving the tooth’s structure and roots. Contact our office if you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have concerns about how your mouth is feeling.
Are you considering a root canal in the Hamilton area? Get more information at https://www.bridgewaterfamilydental.com.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Canal in Hamilton, OH.
Root canal. Medieval torture. Both phrases make even the bravest of us a little queasy, but root canals are actually legal. Our natural response to, "You need a root canal," is, "Do I have to?"If you have ever considered putting up with an aching tooth forever just to avoid a root canal, this article is…
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, isn’t something most people think about daily, but it’s one of the most common treatments available. If you experience pain in your teeth and are considering treatment, then you may have heard of endodontic therapy, which can save your teeth and make sure you have good oral…
Preparing for an upcoming root canal? This procedure is one that often causes anxiety; however, modern-day dentistry has allowed for serious innovations in technology, thus ensuring positive results that are achieved with little to no discomfort involved. In general dentistry, a root canal falls under the category of restorative work. When a tooth is in bad…
Wondering whether root canal therapy is in your near future? The only way to know is to make an appointment with a general dentist for a full oral evaluation. While most dental patients know they have a problem tooth, not all tooth infections cause pain.A tooth infection occurs when bacteria are able to get inside…