There’s no denying the fact that tooth problems are painful. In fact, this is a truth universally acknowledged that tooth problems hurt. There is immense discomfort inside the mouth, struggling while eating, and sharp pain when you touch the tooth with your tongue. Anyone who is reading this article will know the feeling and hence we understand the urgency of visiting a dentist in order to get the much-awaited relief.
You know you’re in a big mess when the pain arises from a deep infection, a dead tooth, or from the deep roots of a particular tooth. The treatment for this isn’t something too comfortable but you needn’t fret. Have you heard of root canal treatment? If yes, we’re going to discuss in detail the signs and symptoms that indicate you’re in dire need of one. Scroll down to know more.
A Root Canal – What Is It?
A root canal process is a dental process of cleaning decay to protect and retain the infected tooth. What does the dentist do during a root canal procedure?
- He extracts the corrosion and bacteria from the pulp of the tooth, nerve, and root.
- He fills in the bare roots of the tooth.
- He disinfects and numbs the area with antibiotics and anesthesia.
- He seals the tooth to prevent future decay.
This procedure can both be done by a general dentist also a dentist who is specialized in root canal treatments, called an endodontist.
Vital Facts and Data on Root Canals
- As per the AAE or the American Association of Endodontists, more than 20 million root canal surgeries are done every year in the US.
- People perceive root canal procedures as painful ones but studies reveal that just 15% of people who have gone through a root canal described some kind of pain during the process.
- According to the AAE, more than 42,000 root canals are executed in a day.
- The symptoms of root canals usually depend on the type of bacteria in the pulp of the tooth.
Telltale Symptoms of Root Canal – Stay Aware of Them
The only way in which you can be sure about whether or not you require a root canal is by visiting a dentist. However, there are warning signs that you can watch out for:
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Constant Pain
Continuous pain in your infected tooth is one of the main signs that prompt you in knowing you’ll require a root canal. The pain in your tooth will be such that you’ll be bothered all the time. The pain might disappear at times but it is going to return very soon. The pain originates from the bone of your tooth and it may spread towards your jaw, face, and other teeth.
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Discoloration of the Tooth
Whenever the pulp of a tooth is infected by some kind of bacteria, this can lead to discoloration of the tooth. Damage to the tooth or nervous collapse of the internal tissues may harm the roots and give a grayish appearance to the tooth. As per experienced dentists, discoloration occurs faster in the front teeth. Tooth pulps usually die when there is an insufficient supply of blood and this is one of the biggest signals of a root canal.
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Sensitivity to Cold and Warmth
Do you feel a strong sensitivity in your tooth when you drink cold water or give a sip to a hot cup of coffee? Does your tooth feel sensitive when you eat ice cream? This type of sensitivity may feel like a sharp pain or some form of dull ache. If this kind of sharp pain lingers for a long period of time, this means that you’ll need to go for a root canal as a dental treatment.
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Sharp Pain When You Touch or Eat With The Tooth
Does your tooth feel extremely sensitive when you touch it? Do you feel strong pain when you eat with that tooth? If answered yes, this indicates damage of nerves and decay of the tooth. Hence, the only option that you may find worthy is the root canal. Since the ligament from the tip of the root of the infected tooth becomes extremely sensitive, the pain arises due to the biting pressure.
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Inflamed Gums
Yet another sign of the root canal is swollen gums near the infected tooth. This kind of swelling may come and go and when you touch the gum, the feeling can be tender or painful. When the pulp of the tooth dies, it releases acidic waste products and this leads to the swelling of the gums. You may also find a small pimple on your gum and this is called parulis, gum boil, or abscess.
An infection within the pulp of your tooth may cause discomfort and pain. In case you experience any of the above-listed symptoms, rush to your dentist and schedule an appointment.
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