Symptoms of a root canal infection can be quite painful, much more so than the actual endodontic treatment that is needed to remedy the issue. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that each patient’s case is unique, so it’s not wise to compare your situation with another’s.
The particular prognosis of your tooth is one of the key elements that influence how your experience with root canal therapy will go. An oral infection can be caused by severe decay, repeated dental work, trauma, or a chipped or cracked tooth. The course of treatment that our dentist or endodontist prescribes will depend on your unique circumstances.
Warnings Signs That You May Need a Root Canal
- Tooth discomfort – A variety of oral issues can result in constant tooth pain. You could require a root canal if there’s discomfort inside your tooth. This can also harm your jaw, face, and surrounding teeth.
- Swollen gums – Pus can build up all over an infected tooth. Gums may become puffy, swollen, or sensitive because of that.
- Boils on the gums – An unpleasant taste or odour may result from pus from the diseased tooth draining from the pimple.
- Sensitivity to cold and heat – If you suffer from pain when consuming cold or hot food items, you may need a root canal. This is especially true if the pain lasts for a long time.
- Discoloration of the teeth – A tooth’s pulp may become darker if it is infected. This happens as a result of the tooth’s inadequate blood supply.
- A broken tooth/teeth – Bacteria can get into the tooth pulp if you’ve chipped or cracked your tooth due to an accident, physical activity, or even by biting down on something hard.
- Loose tooth – A loose tooth may feel worse if it is infected. This could be because the bone supporting your tooth can become softer due to the pus from the impacted pulp.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Your healthcare professional will take dental x-rays of the afflicted tooth before starting your root canal surgery. This makes it possible to assess the degree of injury and validates that the root canal process is the best course of action.
The steps below during your root canal treatment are as follows:
- The affected tooth and the gums around it are first given topical anesthetic to make them feel better. Further, sedatives such as oral sedatives, nitrous oxide, and intravenous (IV) sedation are used in dentistry to help you unwind. If you get hurt from dental anxiety, our dentist might suggest sedation.
- A tiny rubber dam is placed on the area before starting root canal treatment. This keeps the tooth dry during the treatment.
- The dentist will create a small hole in the tooth’s crown to access and officially remove the pulp. The blood arteries, nerves, and tissues inside the tooth are detached using dental tools.
- The pulp chamber and root canals are cleansed, sanitized, and shaped once the pulp has been eliminated. Gutta-percha, a rubbery dental material, is afterward used to fill the canals. The tooth is then shut with a temporary oral filling to stop bacteria from coming back.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Healing after endodontic treatment normally takes less than a week. Experiencing minor pain for a few days is possible and completely normal, and it can be addressed with painkillers like Advil. Call an endodontist specialist near you if these symptoms persist.
Consult Our Dentist Here at Westside Family Dental
Toothaches can be frightening to have, considering all the other health factors. The good news is that the root canal process can get rid of damage at its source, allowing you to recover fast. Call our dentist in West Edmonton as soon as you think you may have an infected or abscessed tooth.