Cavities are something that most of us experience sooner or later. But sometimes tooth decay can get severe and require more complex treatments than dental fillings. How do you know if you need a root canal? In this article, we discuss root canal therapy and the details of the procedure.
How Do You Know If You Need a Root Canal?
Root canal therapy is a procedure aimed at cleaning out infected pulp from the inner chamber of the decayed tooth. Often, a root canal can help save the infected tooth from extraction and prevent further spread of the infection in the mouth.
Signs that you might need root canal therapy include:
- Persistent toothache, especially if it is getting stronger with time
- Sensitivity of the tooth to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Discoloration of the tooth (often, the tooth can have gray, black, or brown stains)
- Swollen, red, or tender gums around the infected tooth
- Pain when pressure is applied to the tooth or when chewing food
- Pimples or cysts on the gum near the infected tooth
- Swelling in the jaw or cheek on the side of the infected tooth
- Persistent bad breath or unpleasant taste in the mouth
- The infected tooth is unstable in its socket
Additionally, root canal therapy might be required in cases of oral trauma when the tooth is cracked or chipped. To save the tooth from extraction, the canals are cleaned, and then the tooth is reinforced with a dental crown, veneers, or bonding.
The symptoms and their intensity listed above may vary from person to person. In some cases, you can experience only one of them or even none at all, especially if the tooth decay is in its early stage. That is why professional examination is the most reliable option when it comes to determining if you need a root canal.
We urge you to consult your dentist as soon as possible if you notice any of the symptoms we talk about in this article. Additionally, it is essential to commit to bi-yearly dental checkups to make sure early signs of tooth decay are spotted in time.
What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure
A root canal procedure begins with your dentist administering the local anesthetic to your gum via injection. Modern anesthetics ensure that you do not feel pain or discomfort during the procedure. Some patients can also opt for one of the sedation options if a local anesthetic is not sufficient to provide comfort during the procedure. If you have sedation, it will also be administered before the procedure.
Once the anesthetic or sedation takes effect, your doctor will access the inner chamber of the tooth through its crown and remove the infected pulp. Once the tooth’s canals are clean, your dentist might place antibacterial medication there if there is a risk of reinfection. Then, the dentist fills the canals with special biocompatible material and seals them to prevent the bacteria from accessing them.
In some cases, you might need a dental crown after root canal therapy. A crown is used to reinforce a tooth that is significantly weakened by decay and is not likely to survive for a long time on its own.
Recovery After a Root Canal Procedure
Typically, recovery after a root canal procedure takes about a week. During this time, you might experience slight pain, swelling, and tooth sensitivity that should gradually subside as the recovery progresses. These unpleasant sensations rarely cause any significant discomfort, and you will feel significant pain relief compared to the pain you are likely to experience before the procedure. However, if the pain after the procedure is severe or getting worse, you should contact your doctor immediately, as it might signify reinfection of the tooth.
To make sure that the recovery after root canal therapy goes smoothly, we recommend following these tips:
- Take plenty of rest and sleep well to allow your body to regenerate.
- Abstain from strenuous activities, such as sports, to prevent increased blood flow to the procedure site.
- Avoid nicotine and alcohol as they slow down regeneration.
- Stay on top of your oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day and using saltwater rinses to reduce bacteria in the mouth.
Treat Tooth Decay at the Valley Alder Dental Office
If you have any signs of tooth decay, make an appointment with a leading dentist at the Valley Alder Dental office as soon as possible. Remember that putting off your treatment can lead to tooth loss and the infection spreading to the surrounding teeth, gum tissue, and even to the jawbone. We look forward to helping you preserve your oral health.
