Root canals are a common dental procedure used to help treat and save teeth that have become infected due to deep decay, cracks, abscesses, or trauma. While root canals may seem intimidating, understanding the symptoms of when such treatment is necessary could give insight into why treating the infection with a root canal is so beneficial for oral health. This blog post will explore some of these signs and discuss how they lead to needing a root canal!
What is Root Canal?
A root canal is an endodontic treatment procedure that involves removing the damaged nerve tissue from the inside of a tooth. This procedure requires special tools and materials and a professional dentist or endodontist trained in root canal technology. Root canal therapy aims to save the natural tooth by allowing it to heal after injury or infection. The tooth’s infected portion is removed, cleaned, filled, and finally sealed with filling material like gutta-percha. The results are highly successful and often bring relief from pain and infection. Root Canal Therapy gives patients their natural smile while restoring their ability to chew comfortably again.
Types of Pain Associated with a Root Canal
Root canals have a reputation for being painful, but the reality is that many people experience little to no pain during the procedure itself. This is because numbing medication and other techniques help minimize any pain patients may experience. Afterwards, some individuals may experience discomfort or lingering pain for a short period. Common pain after a root canal includes soreness at the treatment site and sensitivity from air, food, or liquids contacting the area. Patients should consult their dentist to ensure everything is healing properly if the pain does not go away after the root canal has been completed.
Symptoms of an Inflamed Pulp
These include
Severe Toothache or Sensitivity to Heat and Cold
Experiencing severe toothache or sensitivity to heat and cold may signify that a root canal is needed. The pain can be quite uncomfortable and often radiates to other areas, such as the ear, jaw or head. In addition to the pain or sensitivity you may experience, it’s also common for the area of teeth and gums to swell due to an infection and tenderness while brushing your teeth can occur.
Swelling, Tenderness, and Redness of the Gums
Swelling, tenderness, and redness of the gums are some common signs that may indicate a root canal procedure is necessary. These symptoms typically present when a tooth’s nerve or pulp has become inflamed or infected due to an injury or deep decay. Pain often accompanies these outward symptoms, though it is not always as prominent as other signs.
Swelling and Tenderness of Nearby Lymph Nodes
Swelling and tenderness of nearby lymph nodes are symptoms that may indicate the need for a root canal procedure. Should these symptoms arise, it’s best to seek advice from an oral health professional to prevent further complications from arising or worsening.
Pressure Sensitivity or Discomfort While Chewing
Discomfort or pressure sensitivity while chewing is a common symptom when a root canal treatment may be necessary. This pain can range from mild to severe and often is caused by inflammation, infection or both in the pulp chamber located within the tooth.
Pain that Lingers After Eating or Drinking Sweet Foods and Beverages
When it comes to the symptoms of a root canal, many people don’t realize that one symptom may be lingering pain or discomfort in your teeth after eating sweet foods or beverages. The result of the root canal could be the cause of such sensitivity, especially if the root treatment were not done properly.
Root Canal Treatment at My Family Dental QLD, Townsville QLD, Australia
Root canals are a common dental procedure performed to save a tooth that is infected or damaged. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it’s important to see your dentist right away so they can determine if a root canal is necessary. While root canals may seem daunting, they are usually quick and relatively painless procedures that allow you to keep your natural teeth.
My Family Dental has dental clinics in Emerald, Bowen, Innisfail, Townsville, Ingham, and Bohle Plains for your convenience.
