Root Canal- Symptoms, Treatment, Risks, and Procedure

 


Introduction 

Root Canal is a dental treatment that alleviates pain an infected or abscessed tooth can cause.

The soft centre or the inflamed pulp made up of nerves, connective tissue & blood vessels that help the tooth grow is removed in the procedure, relieving the patient from discomfort and pain.

The surfaces inside the tooth are cleaned and disinfected after removing the infected pulp and a filling is eventually placed to shut the space.

The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia by an endodontist or a dentist. 

Who Needs a Root Canal?

The oral bacteria can sometimes infest the soft inner part of the tooth, the pulp, inducing pain, inflammation & even infection. A root canal then becomes essential.

Even when the pulp is dead, the crown or cap of the tooth can remain intact and getting rid of the infected pulp can help to preserve the structure of the tooth.

How does the Pulp get Damaged?

The following causes can lead to the damaging to the pulp:

  • A long-standing untreated cavity which has caused serious decay
  • A cracked chipped or damaged tooth due to an injury.
  • A particular tooth having undergone multiple dental procedures 
  • An internal injury to the tooth even when the crown is not damaged.

Symptoms of Tooth Infection 

The patient in some cases may not be aware of the infection in the tooth. However, some symptoms can be an indication of the need for a root canal. These symptoms include:

  • Chronic tooth pain: A  deep pain and discomfort in the tooth, radiating to the jaw, face or other teeth.
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold food: Sensitivity and pain on consuming hot or cold foods and the pain that persists for more than a few seconds indicate a need for a root canal treatment. 
  • Swollen Gums: An infected tooth can accumulate pus in the affected area. This can cause puffiness, swelling or tenderness in the gums.
  • Foul smell: A pimple or boil that develops on the gums can ooze pus present in the infected tooth, causing an unpleasant taste or smell.
  • Swelling in the jaw: An absence of drainage from the infected site can result in a swollen jaw.
  • Discolouration: Poor blood supply to the tooth due to infection can make it look darker.
  • Loose tooth: The bone that supports the tooth can soften because of the pus from the infected pulp. This can cause the tooth to become loose.

How Should I Prepare for Root Canal Procedure?

Our team at Morgan Hill Dentistry makes sure to answer all your concerns about the procedure. A few things you can do to prepare for your root canal treatment are:

  • Take all antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications that may be prescribed a few days before the appointment, particularly if there is a lot of infection present.
  • You should avoid Smoking for many days before the procedure as Tobacco products impede the body’s ability to heal itself.

  • Eating a healthy meal before the appointment is recommended since the local anaesthesia used during root canal therapy will make the mouth numb for a few hours.

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Location: Kirkland, WA, USA

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