Signs You Need a Root Canal

by admin Dental Care

Root canal treatment restores severely decayed teeth. According to various studies, more than 40,000 procedures are performed each day in the USA. In this article, we discuss signs you need a root canal. 

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Typically, root canal therapy is performed by a general dentist or by an endodontist. Root canal therapy is usually used to save the tooth with severe decay from extraction. The procedure usually includes the following steps:

  1. The infected pulp is removed from the chambers of the decayed tooth.
  2. The root canals are cleaned, filled with dental material, and sealed.
  3. In some cases, a dental crown is placed on a tooth that is significantly weakened by the infection and needs additional support.

Benefits of Root Canal Therapy

Immediate and long-term benefits of root canal treatments include:

  • Root canal therapy removes the infection from the mouth and prevents it from moving to the other teeth and gums. 
  • Root canal therapy helps prevent gum disease, which can occur if an infection in the tooth penetrates the gum tissue. Gum disease can destroy the jawbone structure, undermine the stability of your teeth, and lead to tooth loss. It is also associated with many general health issues, like heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and lung problems.
  • A root canal can solve the problem of bad breath and bad taste in the mouth by eliminating infection and improving overall oral health.
  • Root canal treatment improves general health, as infection in a decayed tooth can often negatively affect other organs in the body and even lead to life-threatening sepsis. 

Signs You Need a Root Canal

Your dentist will be able to recommend the appropriate treatment after a comprehensive exam to determine your oral health condition. Also, the type of the infection and other individual factors can determine what symptoms you experience and how severe they are. Below, we list the signs that might indicate that you need root canal therapy.

  • Toothache that is actively worsening or does not go away
  • Pain or tenderness in the tooth when touched with a finger or a tongue
  • Sensitivity to changes in temperature or to air when breathing through mouth or talking
  • Dark stains on the tooth or tooth discoloration
  • Red, bleeding, or swollen gums around the tooth
  • Pus that comes out of the gums or pimples on the gums
  • Bad taste in the mouth or bad breath that does not go away after brushing and flossing
  • Mobile teeth

Is Root Canal Therapy Painful?

Root canal treatment is performed using an anesthetic. Most patients report not feeling any pain during the procedure, while others may feel minor discomfort or sensitivity. In fact, tooth decay and infection usually lead to much more pain than the root canal treatment can cause. Once the anesthetic wears out after the procedure, you might still feel some pain or soreness for a couple of days. However, the pain will not be as intense as before the procedure and can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers. All unpleasant sensations should subside within a week after the procedure.

How Can You Make Your Root Canal Treatment Results Last Longer?

There are several simple rules we recommend you adhere to to keep your newly treated tooth healthy for longer:

  • Follow your dentist’s recommendations for the root canal recovery period. Avoid hard and chewy foods for several days and take the prescribed medication. 
  • Maintain a thorough oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss every evening, and use a water flosser to enhance your hygiene even more. 
  • Visit your dentist every 6 to 12 months for checkups, professional cleanings, and fluoride treatments to keep your teeth in excellent condition and avoid costly and complicated treatments in the future. 
  • To avoid physical damage to your teeth, do not use your teeth as tools, avoid very hard and crunchy foods, and wear a mouthguard when playing sports. 

Make an Appointment Today

If you identify with any of these signs that you need a root canal, visit your dentist as soon as possible. A timely root canal treatment can help save the tooth from extraction and avoid other complications. Do not hesitate to call our dental office today and make an appointment for a root canal in Arcadia.

We look forward to welcoming you and your family to our clinic.