A root canal treatment is used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. Dentists perform this treatment when the tooth pulp, which is composed of nerves and blood vessels, is infected or damaged. During the treatment, the pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.
Symptoms Pointing Towards Root Canal Treatment
- Severe Tooth Pain
Severe tooth pain that persists for extended periods of time requires a root canal treatment. This pain may be due to the pulp dying or being abscessed or infected at the tip of the tooth. This pain may even radiate into your ears, jaw or temple areas. - Inflammation of Gums
If you feel any pain when touching or biting down the tooth, it could be due to an inflammation of infection at the root tip. The tip would feel the pressure of being pressed down into its socket and irritate the root area. If the gums are swollen or painful around the painful tooth, it may show signs of a needed root canal treatment.
- Tooth Discoloration
If you observe any kind of discoloration in any tooth as compared with the teeth alongside it, the root canal dentist might suggest a root canal surgery.
- Extreme Tooth Sensitivity
Sensitivity to heat or cold is a sign of the tooth pulp being severely damaged. If you feel the sensitivity even after the stimuli has been taken away, the dentist might suggest a root canal treatment.
3 Instances When You Might Need Root Canal Treatment
- Deep Decay
Decay of a tooth occurs when bacteria living inside the mouth produce enough acid to eat away at the teeth. If you don’t treat cavities on time, the minor decay may turn into deep decay causing infection, extreme pain and even tooth loss. The decay may go unnoticed at first and affect only the outer enamel of the teeth, but overtime the decay will progress to the deeper layers of tooth, eventually damaging the pulp.
- Trauma to the Tooth
Trauma of any kind, like cracks and fractures to the tooth, may lead to a root canal procedure. Minor cracks can be repaired using tooth-colored bonding material, however, the more severe cracks and chips may require root canal treatment in addition to bonding. The treatment would be necessary if the damage to the tooth has extended
into the pulp. - Abscessed Tooth
Tooth abscesses are pockets of pus caused by a bacterial infection. A periapical abscess occurs at the tip of the root and usually occurs as a result of an untreated dental cavity, an injury or prior dental work; a periodontal abscess occurs in the gums next to a tooth root.
Many people fear a root canal treatment assuming it would be very painful, however, the procedure itself is no more painful than having a filling placed. In fact, the discomfort experienced in the period leading up to seeking the dental care is really painful but not the procedure itself. Dr. Aesha Patel specializes in single sitting root canal, which means that you not only save time and money but you can no longer have to dread multiple visits to the clinic.
If you need a root canal, want to inquire about the root canal treatment cost or book an appointment, contact us at Monarch Dental Clinic.