Understanding When to Get Root Canal Treatment

Root canal or endodontic treatment is a dental procedure that helps

save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected. Many people think root canals

hurt a lot, but they are usually no worse than getting a regular filling. This

article will explain when you need a root canal, what happens during the

procedure, and overall what to expect.

Persistent Tooth Pain and Sensitivity

Persistent tooth pain that affects your daily life means something is

wrong. If you have a steady ache, especially after eating hot or cold foods and

drinks, it may show damage to the tooth pulp. The tooth pulp has nerves and

blood vessels. When it gets inflamed or infected, it can really hurt.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is important, which means brushing and

flossing regularly. However, if the pain does not go away even with proper care,

you may need endodontic therapy. This could include a root canal to fix the

issue and help you feel better.

Swollen Gums Near the Painful Tooth

Swollen gums near a painful tooth might require a root canal treatment.

This swelling happens because your body is fighting an infection. When the

dental pulp gets infected, it causes the gum tissue to become inflamed.

These signs of infection are essential and should not be ignored. If

you wait, they can get worse and spread. Getting dental care quickly can help

prevent the infection from reaching the jawbone and avoid further problems

later on.

Discoloration of the Tooth

Have you noticed your tooth getting darker? Tooth discoloration does

not always mean a severe issue, but it can sometimes show internal damage. This

may mean that the dental pulp is dying, which happens when blood flow is

Affected.

Tooth decay, injury, some medicines, and many foods can cause tooth

discoloration. That’s why it’s essential to get a professional dental check-up.

They can determine the actual cause and suggest the right treatment.

Prolonged Sensitivity to Hot and Cold

Foods

It is common to feel slightly sensitive after eating hot or cold foods

and drinks. However, if your teeth hurt for prolonged periods of time, this might

be a problem. It can mean that your tooth is damaged.

When a tooth is hurt, it can expose the inner layers. These layers

include the dentin and pulp, which have tiny tubes that carry feelings to the

nerves. Root canal therapy can help ease the discomfort if you feel this pain.

Chipped or Cracked Tooth Leading to

Infection

A chipped or cracked tooth may seem small at first. If you don’t treat

it, bacteria can enter your tooth and cause an infection. When the outside of

the tooth is damaged, the soft inner part, called pulp, is at risk. This allows

bacteria to enter easily.

Root canal treatment helps by taking out the infected tooth pulp. It

also seals the tooth to stop more damage. If the tooth is significantly

cracked, you might need to remove it, however, you can often save the tooth.

Swelling in the Jaw or Face

Swollen gums usually mean there is an infection. However, if your jaw

or face also swells, it could be a sign of a bigger problem. When an infection

spreads from an abscessed tooth to nearby tissues, it can lead to more

noticeable swelling. This swelling may come with pain, tenderness, and trouble

opening your mouth.

You need to seek help right away in these cases. The infection can

spread quickly and may even become dangerous if not treated. Getting dental

care quickly removes the infection, eases the swelling, and avoids more issues.

Initial Examination and X-ray

Before starting the root canal procedure, your dentist will thoroughly

check your mouth’s health. This check helps them determine the extent of the

damage and what to do next. They will look closely at the affected tooth and

the area around it.

Your dentist will take a dental X-ray to better view the inside of the

tooth and any bone loss. The X-ray shows the shape and length of the root

canals and helps the dentist see how much infection or damage is present. This

information is very important for correctly planning the root canal procedure.

Removing the Infected Pulp

The dentist numbs and isolates the tooth. Then, they will access the

pulp chamber, which is the inner part of the tooth with the infected pulp, by

making a small opening in the top of the tooth.

Next, a special tool will be used to remove the infected pulp carefully.

This process focuses on removing the damaged or infected tissue while keeping

the healthy tooth structure intact. The dentist is careful to ensure all the

infected pulp is gone, creating a clean space for the next steps of the root

canal.

Cleaning and Shaping the Canal

After the infected pulp is removed, the next important step is to clean

and shape the root canal well. Small files that get bigger in size are

carefully moved down the canal. This helps remove any leftover debris,

bacteria, and infected tissue, which is critical to stopping reinfection.

Shaping the canal ensures a smooth and even space. This helps the

filling material seal and protect the tooth from future infections. The dentist

will also use an antimicrobial solution to rinse the canal during cleaning and

shaping, freeing the area from germs.

Filling the Canal with a Biocompatible Material

Once the canal is clean and shaped, the dentist will fill it with a

safe material. This material is usually a rubber-like substance known as

gutta-percha. It is heated and softened before being carefully put into the

canal. This fills it and stops any gaps where bacteria might return.

A sealer paste is often added to the gutta-percha. This helps create a

strong seal and prevent leaks. Together, these materials help keep the tooth

strong and reduce the chance of future infections.

Consider Root Canal Treatment 

You might need a root canal treatment if you have constant tooth pain,

swollen gums, or are sensitive to hot and cold foods for prolonged periods of

time. Knowing the signs and the process is essential for your dental health.

Contact Park Street Dental today to schedule a root canal treatment.