If you are experiencing pain in your tooth, it may be due to an infection. A root canal can help get rid of the infection and relieve the pain. To learn more, read on! 

What is a Tooth Infection?

A tooth infection is usually caused by bacteria that get into the root canal. The root canal is the space inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. When the bacteria get into the root canal, they can infect the nerves and blood vessels.

Symptoms

In some cases, you may not know you have an infected tooth. However, many people notice certain symptoms. Cleveland Clinic explains signs you need a root canal include:

Tooth pain that doesn’t go away: 

Many dental problems can cause tooth pain. If you have pain deep in your tooth, you may need root canal therapy. Discomfort may also radiate to your jaw, face or other teeth.

Sensitivity to heat and cold: 

If your tooth hurts when you drink hot coffee or eat ice cream, it could mean that you need root canal treatment. This is especially true if the pain lingers for more than a few seconds.

Swollen gums: 

When a tooth is infected, pus can collect in the area. This can lead to puffy, swollen or tender gums.

Pimple on the gums: 

You may develop a pimple or boil on the gums. Pus from the infected tooth may drain from the pimple, causing an unpleasant taste or smell.

Swollen jaw:

Sometimes pus doesn’t drain from the site. As a result, your jaw may become visibly swollen.

Tooth discoloration: 

When the pulp of a tooth becomes infected, it can cause your tooth to look darker. This occurs because of poor blood supply to the tooth.

Pain when pressure is applied: 

If you have pain when you eat or touch your tooth, it could mean the nerves around the pulp are damaged.

A chipped or cracked tooth: 

If you’ve cracked a tooth in an accident, when playing sports or even by biting down on something hard, bacteria can reach all the way into the tooth pulp.

Loose tooth: 

An infected tooth may feel looser. This is because the pus from the infected pulp can soften the bone that supports the tooth.

Understanding the Root Canal Procedure

A root canal is a procedure that is used to treat a tooth infection. The procedure involves removing the infected nerves and blood vessels from the inside of the tooth. Once the infection has been removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.

The Root Canal Procedure

The root canal procedure usually takes place in two visits to the dentist. During the first visit, the dentist will numb the area around the tooth. They will then use a drill to create an opening in the tooth so that they can access the root canal. Once they have accessed the root canal, they will remove the infected nerves and blood vessels. The inside of the tooth will then be cleaned and sealed.

During the second visit, the dentist will place a filling or a crown over the tooth to protect it.

After the Root Canal Procedure

Once the root canal procedure is complete, you should not experience any more pain in the tooth. In some cases, you may feel some soreness in your jaw from being numbed during the procedure. This soreness should go away within a few days.

Caring For Your Teeth After a Root Canal

It is important to take care of your teeth after your procedure. To best care for your smile, you should:

• Brush twice a day and floss daily:  You should brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. This will help remove plaque from your teeth and prevent new cavities from forming.
• Visit your dentist regularly: You should see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. This will help ensure that your teeth are healthy and that any problems are caught early.
• Wear a mouthguard:  If you play sports, it is important to wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth.
• Avoid chewing on hard objects: You should avoid chewing on hard objects, such as ice or hard candy. This can damage your teeth.

With proper care, your teeth will last a lifetime!

Make an Appointment with Premier Dentistry of Eagle

If you think you may need root canal treatment, or if you have any questions about the procedure, we welcome you to make an appointment with Premier Dentistry of Eagle. We will be happy to answer any of your questions and discuss your treatment options with you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!