Getting treatment for an infected root canals becoming a very common dental procedure. Every year, dentists across America perform a whopping
15.1 million root canal surgeries
.
The longer you wait to seek medical assistance, the more dangerous and worse your condition can be. An untreated infected root canal can lead to a very painful and pus-filled abscess which needs immediate attention.
It's important to note that the root canal surgery actually relieves the pain so it's always in your best interest to see a doctor whenever you feel any tooth discomfort.
Are you currently experiencing tooth pain or extreme sensitivity? If you're worried about your teeth and are on the verge of needing a root canal surgery, then you've come to the right place. In this article, we're diving into the biggest five signs you need to be aware of.
Grab your toothbrush, we're getting started.
What Is a Root Canal?
The term 'root canal' technically has two meanings. One, being the physical channel (or canal) within the tooth that holds the roots and nerves of the tooth and the other being the medical removal of the infection within the root canal itself.
What Causes It?
The main cause of a root canal infection is bacteria that has penetrated the tooth pulp and irritated the tooth's nerves causing an infection. Bacteria can find it's way into the tooth in many ways:
● Cracked or physically damaged teeth
● Tooth decay (like untreated cavities)
● Teeth displacements
● Teeth abnormalities
● Necrosis
How Do You Fix an Infected Root Canal?
An infected root canal requires a root canal surgery. This can be done by a general dentist or a dental health professional called an endodontist, who specializes in saving teeth.
Once your doctor has confirmed that a root canal is needed through x-rays and other methods, they will administer anesthesia. A small access hole is drilled into the dead or dying tooth. The diseased pulp and infected root canal are removed and the channel is cleaned out.
The channel and hole are filled and sealed. If needed, your endodontist may decide to fit that tooth with a crown.
To avoid the need for a root canal surgery, it's important to
visit the dentist regularly
to prevent tooth disease and avoid worsening problems.
Do You Need Root Canal Surgery?
If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, we urge you to make an appointment with your dentist immediately.
Don't allow anxiety to get in the way of making decision that could save your dental health and overall wellbeing.
Did you know that
15% of Americans
avoid seeking dental care because of their misconceptions and fears? Don't let this be you. An infected root canal won't go away on its own, but it may get worse.
It's possible that you can experience these symptoms without needing a root canal surgery but only a qualified dentist can make that diagnosis with the use of x-rays. It's best to avoid self-diagnosing yourself and resort straight to contacting your dentist in order to save time and your teeth.
Here are some telltale signs that indicate that you should head to your doctor right away.
1. Intense Tooth Pain
One of the biggest giveaways that you need a root canal is extreme tooth pain. When you have an infected root canal, the tooth is basically dying and decaying.
The pain can range from a dull ache to a sharper shooting pain. It can be constant or come and go but pain almost always accompanies the need for a root canal treatment.
If not treated, the infection can spread and create even worse pain.
2. Swollen Gums or Cheeks
One of the most common signs of infection is inflammation. If you have a tooth infection, swelling of the gums will often follow. The need for a root canal isn't always accompanied by swelling but its definitely something to look for.
Often root canal patients will report swelling or a gum boil focused near the tooth root, pronounced lumps of swelling, and foul breath.
3. Sensitivity and Tenderness
Are you experiencing sensitivity to hot and cold? Pressure when brushing or eating? If so, then you may be experiencing another symptom of needing a root canal surgery.
Sensitivity to hot and cold is a common complaint many people make on a daily basis. Teeth sensitivity may be easily fixed with a toothpaste like Sensodyne.
This symptom is not necessarily tied to needing a root canal but if the sensitivity doesn't go away with the hot or cold element goes away, this could indicate a potential problem.
4. General Illness
Just like you might get a fever when you have a stomach infection or the flu, a dental infection can produce similar symptoms.
Look out for symptoms like swollen or painful lymph nodes, a fever, swollen gums and cheeks, and a general sense of discomfort and illness.
All too often, root canal infections go untreated and lead to even worse infections. This can lead to more serious problems like a
tooth abscess
.
5. Your Doctor Told You to Keep an Eye Out
Root canals don't always occur out of the blue, although they certainly can. If you have a history of cavities, cracked teeth or fillings, or a history of dental issues, your dentist may have warned you to keep a close eye on a few teeth.
If so, if you're experiencing any of the above symptoms, do not hesitate to make a call to your dentist and inform him or her of how you feel. It's often explained that there is no worse pain than a tooth pain and a simple root canal surgery could be the relief you need.
Find the Best Dentist
Looking for the best dentist for your root canal surgery? Look no further.
At Putnam Bright Smile Dentistry, we provide free consultations for all of our services and strive to bring you the best and most professional dental services.
Meet our team
of six incredible doctors and
make your appointment today
. We'd love to see your smiling face in our office.
