A root canal can be a pain-free, effortless experience!
Yes, you read it right. When done by professionals, the process of a root canal can be as simple as filling or teeth whitening.
Root canal treatment is an oral procedure that relieves pain caused by an abscessed or infected tooth.
In this blog, we take a closer look at:
- Tooth Decay 101
- What Is Root Canal Procedure
- Root Canal Symptoms – Do You Need One?
- Root Canal Can Be Prevented!
Let’s learn more about this procedure in the following sections.
Tooth Decay 101
Studies suggest that over 92% of Americans have faced tooth decay during their lifetime.
Decay or cavities are deadly agent that destroys your teeth. When the bacteria in them enter the tooth’s pulp and cause an infection, the root canal procedure is your savior.
There are different steps of a root canal procedure where your dentist removes the infected pulp, and the tooth is sealed to prevent further infection. However, when it comes to it, many individuals confuse themselves about whether or not they need the treatment.
Keeping the same in mind, we’ve listed a comprehensive list of symptoms while exploring more about the treatment. Let’s get started!
What Is Root Canal Procedure?
A root canal is frequently recommended for addressing oral disorders such as inflammation, tooth decay, damage, or a severe infection. Root canals are a great option to help you retain oral health while preserving your natural tooth.
When visiting your nearest dentist root canals, they’ll guide you through a thorough treatment procedure that involves:
- Extracting decay and bacteria from the tooth nerve, pulp, and root.
- Disinfecting the affected area with antibiotics.
- Filling the empty roots with a dental filling called gutta-percha.
- Seal the tooth and place a dental crown for final restoration.
Root canal treatment plays a crucial role in general dentistry as it helps you preserve the structure of a damaged tooth. During the procedure, your root canal dentist removes the infected or inflamed pulp and cleans the inside of the root canal.
As mentioned earlier, they seal the area and cover it with a crown to preserve the tooth’s structure and restore it to full function. Following the operation, your tooth looks and feels like the remaining natural tooth in the setup.
So now that we have an idea of why do you need a root canal treatment, let’s learn more about the common symptoms that cause you to visit your nearest dentist.
Root Canal Symptoms – Do You Need One?
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Persistent Tooth Pain
Persistent tooth discomfort may signal that the patient requires a root canal procedure. The tooth pain might come and go and diminish for a short time before reappearing.
You might feel pain in the tooth’s bone, the jaw, the face, and surrounding teeth. Tooth discomfort can have a variety of causes. On the contrary, those who have dental discomfort for an extended length of time should see a dentist at the earliest.
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Tooth Sensitivity Towards Heat and Cold
Tooth sensitivity is the main reason for root canals. Does your tooth hurt whenever you eat or drink something hot or cold? It might indicate that the nerves and blood vessels in the tooth are diseased, injured, or both.
Some people may feel a subtle aching, while others may feel severe agony. If the discomfort from tooth sensitivity lasts for an extended period, the dentist may consider a root canal operation.
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Discoloration of Tooth
An infection in the pulp can discolor the tooth. Internal tissue disintegration might cause root injury. As a result, the tooth may have a grayish-black look. Tooth pulps can perish if there is insufficient blood flow.
If the reason is decay, dentists may prescribe a root canal. However, discoloration can develop for a variety of causes. When discoloration is discovered, it is best to consult a dentist.
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Swollen Gums
Swollen gums surrounding a tooth can be a major indicator of the root canal. The acidic by-products of dead pulp tissues can cause swelling.
While the swelling may appear and go, you’ll feel an unpleasant pain or sensitivity every time there’s some contact.
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Pain In The Tooth While Eating
If the tooth becomes sensitive when eating, it might be due to injured nerves, rotting, or both. Because the pulp is dying, the ligament around the root tip of an infected tooth may become hypersensitive.
The waste produced by the dying pulp might induce ligament friction, causing discomfort from biting pressure. The problem may necessitate a root canal procedure from your dentist.
While there are several symptoms for a root canal, the only way to know for sure is to visit your dentist.
Keeping the same in mind, we’ve listed some of the most common indicators of a root canal. If you experience these symptoms, rush to your nearest root canal dentist.
Root Canal Can Be Prevented!
A root canal can be prevented!
However, it’s easier said than done. Preventing root canals requires a thorough understanding of rooted dental well-being.
Follow these healthy habits to keep up with your oral health:
- Floss your teeth at least once every day.
- Use a fluoride rinse or toothpaste.
- Brush your teeth twice a day.
- Consult with your dentist at an interval of six months.
- Have your teeth thoroughly cleaned annually.
- Limit your intake of sugary foods and processed carbs.
Takeaway
- Studies suggest that over 92% of Americans have faced tooth decay during their lifetime.
- A root canal is a frequently recommended procedure for addressing oral disorders.
- Root canal treatment preserves the structure of a damaged tooth.
- While there are several root canal symptoms, the only way to know for sure is to visit your dentist.