Do you know why root canals are so painful? That is, after all, a trick question! Root canal therapy is usually painless. Because of the discomfort that an infected root canal produces before treatment, some individuals believe that root canal therapy will be difficult. In truth, root canal operations are usually painless, and they can even relieve the discomfort of a tooth that has become infected. Not every toothache necessitates a root canal, but if one is required, it is ideal to have it done as quickly as possible. By doing this procedure on time, you can avoid those unnecessary and painful visits to an emergency dentist.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal technique removes decay while also keeping the affected tooth. During this procedure, your dentist will:
- take bacteria and decay from the tooth pulp, root, and nerve
- cleanse the region with antibiotics
- fill the empty roots and
- seal the area to prevent further decay during a root canal surgery.
A root canal can be performed by either your conventional dentist or an endodontist. The root canal procedure preserves your original tooth while also preventing additional deterioration. However, it renders the tooth more vulnerable. That's why a dental crown is frequently used to cover a tooth that has undergone a root canal.
Signs You Need a Root Canal
- Severe Toothache
One of the indicators that you may require a root canal is persistent tooth discomfort. The pain in your tooth may be constant or intermittent, but it will always return.
The pain may be felt deep into the tooth's bone. You may also have pain in your cheek, jaw or other teeth.
Other than a root canal, tooth discomfort can be caused by a variety of factors. Here are some more possibilities:
- Periodontal disease
- A recess
- Discomfort referred to a sinus infection or another issue
- A deteriorated filling
- A potentially infectious impacted tooth
If you experience tooth pain, regardless of the source, you should see your dentist, especially if the discomfort is severe. A better outcome is usually achieved when tooth discomfort is diagnosed and treated early.
- Discolouration
Your tooth may develop discolour as a result of an infection in the pulp. The roots of the tooth can be damaged by trauma or the breakdown of internal tissue, resulting in a greyish-black appearance. Teeth discolouration is very frequent in the front teeth, according to specialists. When there is a lack of blood flow to the tooth pulp, it might die, signalling the need for a root canal. Although tooth discolouration can be caused by a variety of factors, it's always a good idea to visit your dentist if you detect a change in the colour of your teeth.
- Tenderness In the Gum Area
If your tooth feels sensitive to the touch or when you eat, it might be a sign of significant dental decay or nerve damage that requires a root canal. This is especially true if the sensitivity remains and does not disappear when you stop eating. Because the pulp is dying, the ligament around the root tip of an infected tooth may become hypersensitive. The waste materials from the dying pulp might irritate the ligament, resulting in discomfort when biting pressure is applied. As a result, the gum region becomes tender and painful with each mouthful of food.
- Visible Damage on A Tooth
Bacteria can enter a chipped or broken tooth after an accident, a contact sport, or biting on anything hard, causing pain and infection. Even if a tooth is injured but does not chip or shatter, the nerves of the tooth may be damaged. The nerve can become irritated, resulting in pain and sensitivity, necessitating root canal therapy. All these tooth problems come under the category of visible damage one should immediately visit a dentist for an examination.
- A Swelling on The Gums Might Look Like a Pimple or A Blister
Swollen gums surrounding the aching tooth may indicate a problem that necessitates a root canal. It's possible that the swelling will come and go. It might be sensitive when you touch it, or it could be completely painless. Acidic waste products from dead pulp tissues induce swelling, which might extend beyond the root tip region. It's also possible that you have a little pimple on your gums. A gum boil, also known as a parulis or abscess, is a kind of infection. The infection in the tooth may cause the pimple to flow pus. This might leave a nasty taste in your mouth and cause your breath to stink.
If you encounter any of the above-mentioned signs, then you should deduce that you need a root canal procedure. Still, you need to visit a dentist to confirm your doubts.
How to Practice Good Oral Care at Home?
