Warning signs that you need root canal treatment

A root canal treatment is a dental procedure to clean the infected tissue from a decayed tooth. Your teeth have an outer layer of enamel, the second layer of dentine, and the innermost is the pulp that extends into the root in your jawbone.

The pulp is the soft tissue that contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. It’s surrounded by your tooth’s crown, which is the visible part of your teeth. When decay gets into the pulp, it becomes inflamed or infected, or even dead. A root canal treatment is needed to remove the decay.

So how do you know that you need a root canal? Are there any warning signs or symptoms? Several warning signs indicate that you need a root canal sooner or later. You can only be sure about it if you visit your dentist, till then keep on reading to learn more about the signs that you need a root canal treatment.

What is root canal treatment?

Root canals are usually performed by a dentist, who will numb the area with local anesthesia. This procedure involves the dentist removing the nerve and pulp tissue around your tooth and replacing it with a crown or filling material so that your natural tissues can heal. The procedure usually takes about one hour, but sometimes more than one visit is needed depending on how badly damaged your tooth is. Your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic and painkillers for a few days after the procedure and have another appointment in about two weeks to check that everything is healing properly and there are no complications (such as infection)

The root canal treatment ensures that your natural tooth remains in place and prevents further decay. But root canal-treated tooth becomes more fragile and is often covered with a crown.

Warning signs that you need a root canal treatment

Look out for the various warning signs and symptoms that you need root canal treatment. If you have any of these symptoms, then it is time to visit your dentist as quickly as possible. The sooner you get the treatment, the better the results are.

1. Severe pain in your tooth

One sure sign that you may need a root canal treatment is severe or persistent pain in your tooth. The pain in your tooth might bother you from time to time or all the time. You may feel referred pain in your face, jaws, your other teeth, or even deep inside the bone.

There might be some other reasons for tooth pain like gum disease, an impacted tooth, a broken filling, or sinus infection. If the pain is persistent it is best to visit a dentist no matter what may be the cause. Early diagnosis and treatment always give good outcomes.

2. Swelling or pimples in gums

Swollen and tender gums might indicate an early stage of root canal infection. It will become more noticeable by feeling with fingers in the mouth where your gum line meets your jaw. A pimple or bump on your gums indicates an advanced form of infection. This abscess or gum boil is due to leakage of fluids from the infected area near the root into the gums. The oozing pus can give you an unpleasant taste in your mouth and bad breath too. A root canal treatment is the only option to prevent the spread of infection.

3. Tooth mobility

When there is an infection in the tooth, it may feel mobile or loose. It may be due to necrosis of the pulp or any other factors, but it can be a sign that there is a need for root canal treatment. If more than one tooth feels loose, then it may be due to some periodontal issue.

4. Sensitivity to heat and cold

If you feel sensitivity or pain in your tooth while eating or drinking something hot or cold then you may need a root canal treatment. The sensitivity could feel like a sharp shooting pain or dull ache. This pain indicates that the nerves and blood vessels in your tooth are infected or damaged. If the pain persists for a long time even after you stop drinking or eating, then it’s a sign of a root canal.

5. Tooth discoloration

If there is an infection in your tooth, it can become discolored. When there is a trauma to the tooth then the tooth can become gray or black due to damage to the roots caused by the breakdown of the internal tissue. If your tooth is changing color, then must visit your dentist.

6. A cracked or chipped tooth

If your tooth is cracked or chipped while biting on something hard, or during an accident or sports injury then there are chances of an infection. Even if the tooth is just injured and not cracked, it may damage the nerves to the point that you still need root canal treatment.

Is a root canal treatment painful?

You may be wondering if it is painful. The answer is no, not at all!

Root canal treatment sounds scary but with today’s technology, it is a painless and effective procedure that quickly removes the infection in your tooth. If you have an active infection, however, there will be some discomfort during the procedure (this can range from mild to severe).

How to prevent a root canal treatment?

A root canal can be prevented by-

• Maintaining good oral hygiene

• Brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste

• Flossing at least once a day

• Use fluoride toothpaste or fluoride rinse

• Eating a healthy diet with less sugar and carbohydrates

• Visiting your dentist regularly every 6 months

• Get your teeth professionally cleaned at least once a year.

Conclusion

In summary, root canals are a great option for treating severely decayed teeth. They’re painless and highly effective, but they take time to heal. Root canal treatment is a procedure that saves your natural teeth and helps you maintain your genuine smile for years to come.

If you have any questions about whether or not this is necessary for your particular situation, make sure you consult with a dentist. We at Shubham dental clinic have been serving in Hisar with safe and pain-free root canal treatment procedures for years. The faster we diagnose your problem, the faster we can treat you.