If you have a toothache, most likely you will take it lightly, but it is important to know that it can sometimes be a sign of an infected dental pulp. If the toothache persists, home remedies wont do it, you have to visit the dentist.
In this blog article we will focus on the signs that might indicate that you might need a root canal and will this procedure protect the integrity of your tooth.
What Is Dental Pulp?
Our teeth are composed of different layers and the pulp is found in the center.
The pulp is composed of nerves, blood vessels and connective tissues and is related directly to the roots.
If infection occurs, it will become a suitable environment for bacteria to form and cause more issues that may go beyond oral health.
What Is A Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure performed by an endodontist and its goal is to treat infections of the teeth.
If a root canal procedure is needed the infected pulp will be carefully removed, the inside of the tooth will be cleaned then sealed with dental bonding. This procedure is simple and painfree as it will be performed under local anesthesia.
It is important to know that if an infected tooth is left untreated it will go beyond oral health and risk other parts of the body. Overall, a root canal treatment is considered a preventative measure which will be important in maintaining both oral and general health.
What Causes A Root Canal Infection?
An infected tooth will occur when harmful bacteria that live in the mouth invade the tooth pulp. This can be a result of:
- A small crack or chip of the tooth.
- Damaged tooth root.
- Damage of the tooth root without showing signs on the tooth structure.
- Repeated unsuccessful dental procedures.
- Tooth decay.
It is important to know that while sometimes root canal infections come with clear symptoms sometimes there are no symptoms at all, so if you notice any small signs do not neglect them. Early treatment is essential for protecting the tooth structure and oral health.
Common Signs You Might Need A Root Canal
The only way to know for sure whether a root canal is the right procedure for you is to visit your dentist. However there are several signs that you need to look out for.
If you notice any of the symptoms we will mention further on, visit your dentist as soon as possible. The earlier your tooth is treated the better the results.
Persistent Tooth Pain
Ongoing tooth pain is one of the main signs that indicate that there is something wrong with your teeth. This pain might be persistent, or it can come and go over time.
You will feel tooth pain in the depth of your teeth or feel it in the face, jaw or even nearby teeth.
However tooth pain can be an indicator of other different dental issues including:
- Gum disease.
- Cavities.
- Sinus infection.
- A damaged dental filling.
- An impacted tooth which can be infected.
If you are having unusual pain on your teeth or other symptoms it is always a good idea to visit your dentist. As you can see these are common signs that can indicate different issues, so an exact diagnosis and early treatment for tooth pain will be the only right treatment. This will lead to better results in both short and long term dental health.
Sensitivity To Hot And Cold Foods And Drinks
Tooth sensitivity is another indicator of an infected pulp. If your teeth hurt while drinking a hot cup of coffee or when eating an ice cream, these can be a sign to check that out.
These sensitivity can come as a sharp pain or dull ache that goes away in a matter of minutes. However when pain persists for longer and is still present when you stop eating or drinking, a root canal may be recommended.
This can be a clear sign that the blood vessels and nerves in your tooth are infected or damaged and dental care is necessary to protect tooth structure.
Tooth Discoloration
Tooth discoloration can also be a sign of an infected tooth root. Trauma to the tooth structure will damage the roots and give the tooth a greyish color.
This occurs because the tooth pulp is not properly supplied with blood signaling the need for treatment, in this case a root canal. Although this can also be a result of different dental issues it is always a good idea to visit the dentist if you notice any changes in color in your teeth.
Swollen Gums
Swollen gums near the damaged tooth can be a sign that a root canal is necessary. This swelling may come and go and it may be tender when you touch it. At other times it will not cause pain.
This swelling is a result of acidic waste products of deal pulp issues which will lead to swelling outside the root tip area. This can manifest also as a little pimple on the gums called a gum boil or abscess.
Pain When You Eat Or Touch The Tooth
If while eating you notice pain on your teeth it can be a sign of severe tooth decay and a damaged tooth nerve. The right treatment in this case will be a root canal.
If these signs persist for a long time and don’t stop, the best idea is to visit your dentist as soon as possible.
A Chipped Or Cracked Tooth
Bacteria can get into your mouth if you chip or crack a tooth in an accident, while playing sport, or by chewing on something hard. This can cause swelling and an infection.
If you hurt a tooth but it doesn’t chip or crack, the nerves inside the tooth may still be hurt. When the nerve gets swollen, it can hurt and be sensitive, and you may need root canal treatment for this.
Does A Root Canal Hurt?
Even though the name sounds scary, a root canal treatment is usually not that different from getting a deep filling. Because your dentist will numb your tooth and gums with local anesthesia, you won’t feel much or any pain during the process.
Your dentist may give you medicines before your root canal if you have a fever or swollen face. This is to kill any infection. This could also help ease your pain.
Getting a root canal is a lot like getting a big filling, but it will take longer. Before the dentist fills in the holes, he or she will numb your mouth and clean out the rot.
A plastic dam will be put around the root canal tooth by your dentist. Keeping this in place will help keep any germs from moving to the rest of your mouth.
After the tooth canal, your mouth might hurt or feel sore. Over the counter painkiller medication such as advil or tylenol will be recommended for at least 1-2 days if necessary.
How To Recover After Root Canal Therapy
The root canal treatment is a simple procedure which most likely will be completed in only one single session. The after care will also be quite easy but there are a few things you should look out for, including, maintaining a soft food diet, taking painkiller medications, avoiding physical contact etc.
Taking the right precautions after the root canal therapy will reduce the risk of complications and promote better healing.
Practice The Oral Care Routine Carefully
Once the root canal therapy is over, the risk of infection is still high. To minimize the risk of infection it is important to maintain proper health at all times.
This includes a consistent oral care routine that includes regular brushing, flossing and using an alcohol free mouthwash.
Eat Soft Foods And Reduce Sugar Consumption
Although the root canal procedure itself is not painful, during the recovery period pain and discomfort is normal. To minimize any of these feelings the patients should maintain a soft food diet that doesn’t require much chewing.
Additionally it is important that the patient avoids drinks that are high in sugar as well. Instead they should only consume water and drinks low on sugar as sugar will draw feed bacteria and prolong the healing process.
Take Pain Relief Medication And Use Ice Packs
While following the dentist’s advice on the dodge of pain relief medication is very important, these medications still remain a great way of reducing the overall pain and swelling during the recovery stage.
Additionally, dentists also suggest ice packs as a useful home remedy that will help with the swelling and ensure faster healing.
Reduce The Risk Of Damage To The Affected Area
A serious injury to the face could slow the healing process significantly. While you wait for the swelling to go down and the pain to subside, it’s best to stay away from anything that might injure your face.
This will help you heal faster. All contact sports, including football, fall under this category. Also, make sure you don’t grind your teeth when you sleep.
Notify The Dentist If You Notice Any Issues
Make sure to get in touch with the general dentist as soon as possible if you are experiencing any difficulties or possible issues throughout the healing process. Dental professionals can evaluate your current oral health condition and address any issues if present to stop them from worsening.
If the right measures are not taken at the right time, additional oral health issues might occur, which will be more difficult to manage.
How To Prevent A Root Canal
To prevent the need for a root canal treatment, it is important for the patient to strictly follow a precise dental hygiene routine that helps prevent cavities and other dental issues. Follow these simple steps if you want to keep your teeth healthy for a long time:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day, after you wake up and before going to sleep.
- Before brushing your teeth, you should use floss to remove any stuck food particles between the teeth.
- Use a fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash to offer extra protection for the teeth.
- Visit your dentist every 6 months.
- Have a professional teeth cleaning at the dental office at least once a year.
- Maintain a healthy diet while trying to limit the amount of sugar and refined carbohydrates. These kinds of foods have the tendency to stink at your teeth for a longer period, attracting bacteria. If you consume these types of food, at least try to rinse your mouth if brushing is not possible.
Can You Still Get Pain In A Tooth That’s Had A Root Canal?
Tooth pain is still possible even after a root canal procedure. Here are some of the factors that can cause this:
- If the root canal is not performed by a professional endodontist.
- If the root canal is not healing as it should.
- If the root canal has not been properly disinfected due to a more complex root anatomy..
- New decay might occur that will infect the filling material, resulting in a new infection.
- Injury on the treated area.
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