Human teeth have three layers, namely enamel, dentin, and pulp. When the infection affects the teeth and reaches the pulp, the individual faces acute discomfort and pain extending to the jawbone. The tooth pulp contains the nerve running from inside the tooth through the jawbone, resulting in pain.
The root canal treatment is the dental procedure offering relief from an infected or abscessed tooth. It involves removing the inflamed pulp for immediate relief. The dentist in Keller then disinfects and cleans the teeth surface from the inside and uses filling to seal the space.
A person needs root canal treatment when oral bacteria invade the pulp inside the tooth. It usually occurs due to a long left, untreated cavity or a damaged or cracked tooth due to trauma. However, the question arises when patients must visit a dentist for this treatment.
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Does a root canal hurt?
Even while a root canal sounds scary, with today’s technology, it’s usually not all that different from getting a deep filling. \treatment, there is little to no pain.
Your dentist might prescribe antibiotics before a root canal if you require one and have facial swelling or fever to treat the infection. This might also lessen your discomfort.
Although it will take longer, the root canal operation is similar to obtaining a huge filling. The dentist will numb your mouth while removing the decay, cleaning the roots, and filling them.
Around the tooth that needs a root canal, your dentist will put a rubber dam. It will aid in halting the transmission of any infectious material to the remaining portions of your mouth.
After the root canal, your mouth could feel uncomfortable or irritated. Your dentist could advise you to take an OTC painkiller like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil).
A 2011 evaluation of 72 research on root canal patients examined pain before, during, and after treatment.
According to the data, pre-treatment pain levels were considerable but began to decline somewhat the day after treatment and significantly within a week, reaching negligible levels.
Ways to avoid having a root canal
It’s crucial to practice the same dental hygiene practices that guard against cavities and other tooth issues if you want to avoid getting a root canal. Try to develop the approach of doing the following to maintain the health of your teeth:
- brush your teeth two times.
- Make use of a fluoride rinse or toothpaste.
- Have your teeth checked every six months by your dentist
- Get your teeth thoroughly cleaned at least once a year.
- Try to cut back on your consumption of processed carbs and sugary foods. These foods incline you to adhere to your teeth. Try rinsing your mouth or washing your teeth after consuming sugary foods.
Symptoms To Get Root Canal Treatment
A patient can know when they must get a root canal treatment when the following tell-tale signs appear:
Tooth Pain
Tooth pain is the primary reason for an individual to visit a Keller endodontist. It may be persistent or repeatedly occur over time. The pain can be in the jaw or concentrated over any facial area. Regardless, patients must visit a dentist early to avoid severe damage in the long run.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity is common for people to experience while eating hot or cold foods. While it is not a good sign, if the pain lingers for a long time, even after they have stopped eating or drinking, it can mean severe damage to the tooth.
The nerves and blood vessels of the tooth may have experienced damage, and the lingering pain may indicate an already tooth pulp. Such discomfort can further infect the underlying tissues and nerves. Therefore, patients must pay a sincere visit to the dentist in Keller to get the condition checked.
Tooth Discoloration
When the pulp inside the tooth gets infected, it may turn white teeth into gray or a dark color. In addition, the lack of blood flow causes the pulp to die, changing its appearance. Thus, discoloration makes it necessary to get a root canal treatment.
Gum Swelling
Gums represent the oral hygiene and health issues in a person effectively. A frequently occurring swelling requires checking with the Keller endodontist. Decaying or dead pulp releases acids, causing the gum to swell.
The need for a root canal also increases when individuals notice tenderness, swelling, gum boils, and pus-filled abscesses in the gum.
Pain from Touching Or Slight Pressure
Individuals experiencing pain by eating, drinking, touching, or applying even the slightest pressure indicate severe nerve damage or pulp decay in the tooth. It prompts patients to visit the dentist and get a root canal treatment if necessary.
Injury, Crack, Or Chipping
A tooth infection can arise when it gets cracked, injured, or chipped, leading to the bacteria in the tooth. Even without chipping or cracking, an injury can damage the tooth nerves, causing pain, inflammation, and sensitivity. Thus, a root canal becomes necessary to obtain and relieve the pain.
Loose Teeth
An infected tooth loosens because acidic wastes (pus) weaken the bone holding the tooth and the root. As a result, the tooth becomes mobile and requires a root canal to stay in place.
Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess indicates a bacterial infection affecting the tooth and is of two types. Periapical abscess infects the root tip, whereas periodontal abscess inflames gums. Leaving this infection untreated can cause unbearable pain in the teeth, jaw, and ear. In addition, the abscess swelling can easily transfer to the tender gums, causing more discomfort.
Gum Pimples
The infection may also cause pimples or boils on the gums. The pus draining from the pimple and infected tooth leads to an unpleasant taste or smell. Patients can also notice a visible swelling on the jaw. It occurs due to the pus that doesn’t drain from the infected site.
Conclusion
A dentist or endodontist will evaluate the issues with the individual and suggest appropriate processes for relief. They will conduct X-rays to see the current position and do a root canal on dead teeth. Since the symptoms mentioned above may suggest other problems, only a specialist can offer correct treatment.