How do you know if you need a root canal?

No one in the world really loves visiting a dentist. But just like your car breaks down and starts making different sounds when in trouble, teeth are no different either. One of those signals? A need for a root canal treatment.

Moreover, when one hears a root canal, it certainly does not invoke thoughts of a relaxing spa session. But, in the end, root canal treatment helps rescue your tooth.

In this post, we’ll go into the indicators and signs that might lead to the need for a root canal, and explain the procedure. Additionally, we’ll also imply other related therapies, including Teeth Whitening Northern Beaches, that should be conducted for the aesthetics and beauty of the smile after the root canal.

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment can be better understood if you know the basic structure of the tooth.

  • The soft and innermost core of your tooth is known as the pulp.
  • It contains the nerves and blood vessels of the tooth.
  • No doubt that this pulp gets inflamed (sometimes as a result of extensive caries or sometimes through trauma), and it can be quite painful.

A root canal procedure is done for an infected or dead tooth with the intent to help the tooth heal over a period of time.

Thanks to greater technological advancement, more and more dentists today have started to use good anaesthesia for the procedure, and because of this, it is pain-free. So you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Perhaps some very little discomfort will occur later on, but it can be easily treated with some simple medicines bought over the counter.

In some cases, after getting the treatment done, you can get in touch with a dentist to enhance the appearance of your teeth with the help of teeth whitening Northern Beaches.

‘An aching tooth is better out than in. To lose a rotting member is a gain.’ – Richard Baxter

What are the Common Symptoms of Root Canal Problems?

In case you are experiencing any of the following issues, it could indicate serious damage that a root canal may help treat:

Severe Tooth Pain

Pain is the first and most serious symptom of a dental issue. In the worst cases, pain during the chewing of food becomes excruciating. Even minor loads applied to the tooth will be shaking and distressing.

Sensitivity to Hot or Cold

Remember the joy of biting into a frosty treat? It’s quite painful now. If hot, cold, or even sweet foods and drinks cause some annoying impulses in your tooth, you should make a note to find a well-reputed dentist Northern Beaches.

Swelling and Tenderness in the Gums

Notice any swelling, redness, or tenderness around the tooth? In some instances, you might even witness a pus-filled, pimple-like swelling on the gums. This indicates that there is an abscess. These could be signs of infection brewing deep within and you need to see a root canal treatment NSW expert.

Persistent Bad Breath

Chronic odour or an unpalatable taste in the mouth is yet another indicator of an infected tooth. Bacterial colonies from the sites of an infected tooth may result in a bad odour, which goes out of hand if it’s not treated by root canal treatment NSW dentist.

Pain When Touching the Tooth

If the affected tooth starts troubling you when touched by fingers, toothbrush or dental floss, this indicates that either the dental nerve or the nearby area has suffered damage or the infection is much deeper in the tooth.

Root canal treatment is a great way to restore your infected tooth. But if you’ve lost most of your teeth due to aging or decay, then it’s good to get All-on-4 treatment.

Causes of Root Canal Problems

Several factors can cause the requirement for a root canal treatment:

Dental Caries

Tooth decay is the most common reason recorded for requiring root canal treatment NSW. If you leave a cavity untreated, bacteria will ultimately make their way into the pulp, leading to infection and pain.

Cracked or Broken Tooth

A damaged dentin layer can also cause tooth decay. It allows bacteria to enter the tooth and the pulp. Once the pulp gets infected or inflamed, root canal treatment becomes inevitable.

Repetitive Dental Procedures

Frequent dental procedures and products like drugstore teeth whitening toothpaste can wear off the outer layer of your tooth and, in extreme cases, even damage the pulp cavity. Severe, repetitive damage leads to infection and the requirement for root canal treatment.

Injury or Trauma

If a person faces a physical injury in the face or jaw region, it can ruin the pulp even if the outer protective layer (the teeth) doesn’t appear broken.

To get the best root canal treatment in NSW, ensure that you visit a reputed dentist.

How a Root Canal Treatment Is Performed?

Initial Examination and X-rays

First, the dentist needs to evaluate the decay or infection. Therefore, he/she will take an x-ray to see the inside part of your tooth. This assessment is done in the first appointment.

Removing the Infected Pulp

Once the sedatives are given, the dentist will carefully remove the decaying or infected tooth pulp.

Filling and Sealing

The cavity left behind inside the tooth is filled up with a biocompatible dental paste. With that, the tooth is closed, preventing any chances of contamination.

Crown Placement (If Needed)

Crown placement is typically advised after a root canal has been completed successfully because a crown enhances the functional and aesthetic strength of the tooth.

Teeth whitening Northern Beaches could restore the aesthetic aspect of the tooth.

FAQs

What are some root canal aftercare tips I need to know of?

Avoid chewing on hard food for the first couple of hours, and maintain proper oral hygiene. Follow your root canal treatment NSW dentist’s aftercare instructions.

When should I see a dentist for a root canal?

See a dentist if you have:

  • persistent tooth pain,
  • sensitivity,
  • swelling,
  • discoloration, or
  • bad breath.

What are alternatives to a root canal?

Alternatives include tooth extraction with a dental bridge or implant or All-On-4 Treatment for extensive damage or missing teeth.

Book an Appointment and Preserve Your Teeth Today!

A tooth is an important part of a person’s smile, so knowing the instances when a root canal treatment might be needed is critical for the oral health of the individual. You need to consult with a Dentist in Northern Beaches if you feel some pain, swelling, discoloration, or any other peculiar sign. Treating your root canal may help you get rid of complications.

Consult dental experts at United Dental Clinic! Routine dentist visits and tending to all tooth problems in a timely manner can help you maintain a healthy smile for the years to come.