A root canal infection occurs after the soft tissue in the tooth gets infected or becomes inflamed. Usually, the bacteria enter the tooth through a crack, cavity, or other openings. When infected, you experience tooth pain or discomfort, resulting in the affected area can be swollen or having a dental abscess if left untreated.
Detecting symptoms of root canal infection in its early stages is essential to avoid inconveniences arising from untreated conditions. If you notice any of these symptoms, seeing your dentist as soon as possible is vital to evaluate and diagnose the problem. Through early detection and immediate treatment, you can also help save the affected tooth and prevent further complications.
Common Signs and Symptoms to Look Out for
Regarding root canal infections, symptoms and their severity can differ from person to person. Despite that, there are still common signs worth looking out for when you suspect yourself to have this condition.
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Pain and Discomfort
One of the obvious signs that something is wrong with your teeth is if you experience a degree of dental pain and discomfort. For root canal infections, this translates into a dull, sharp, or shooting pain when you apply pressure on the affected tooth.
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Swelling and Tender Gums
A root canal infection spreads from the inside of the tooth to the surrounding tissues, resulting in inflamed or swollen gums. Redness and tenderness can happen if an abscess or pus discharge forms at the root of the tooth. Facial swelling or fevers can also occur if the infection spreads from the pulp to the jaw and facial muscles.
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Tooth Sensitivity
As the infection spreads, it can cause inflammation and swelling in the pulp, which puts pressure on the nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth. This can cause tooth sensitivity to external stimuli, such as temperature changes or pressure from chewing.
Common Causes of a Root Canal Infection
Other than being targeted by bacteria, a root canal infection can result from several factors, ranging from trauma to poor oral hygiene.
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Trauma
A tooth can suddenly be affected if external sources abruptly impact it. Examples of such force include a fall, sports injuries, or similar instances that result in tooth cracking or breaking. This can allow bacteria to enter the pulp chamber and cause an infection.
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Tooth Decay
When bacteria accumulate on the tooth’s surface and form a plaque, they can produce acid that eats away the tooth enamel and eventually reaches the pulp chamber, leading to infection and tooth decay.
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Gum Disease
Gum disease can cause the gums to recede and pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that can trap bacteria and food. These pockets can become infected and lead to inflammation, damaging the structures that support the teeth, including the roots and surrounding bone.
Root Canal Treatment
If you suspect yourself of having a root canal infection, it’s best to consult with your local dentist right away. You can effectively avoid severe complications by visiting your dentist early on during the infection. If left untreated, root canal infections can lead to tooth extractions.
You’ll need to schedule an appointment with your dentist at the beginning of the treatment process. Your dentist can accurately determine the extent of the tooth’s damage and infection through consultation, examinations, and tools like X-ray scans. It’s also here where they can assess if you’re qualified for root canal treatment or if treatment is the best solution.
How Root Canal Therapy is Performed
After the initial diagnosis and confirmation that root canal therapy is the best solution for your case, the procedure is now underway.
Endodontic therapy starts with your dentist administering anesthesia to the infected area. When it becomes numb, they will create a small access opening on the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. They’ll remove the infected pulp from the tooth’s pulp chamber and root canals using small files.
Once the infected dental pulp has been removed, the dentist will start cleaning up the remaining bacteria or leftover debris. Your dentist will fill the cleaned and shaped root canals with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha and seal the access opening with a temporary filling. In some cases, a crown or filling will be placed on the tooth to help restore its structure.
The treatment may require multiple appointments depending on the severity of the damage or infection. After the treatment, you may experience some soreness or sensitivity, which can be managed through prescribed medication or over-the-counter pain medicine.
Root Canal Infection Prevention
Root canal infection can be a harrowing ordeal to go through. If left untreated, it can also cause long-term problems, affecting your mouth’s quality of life. Maintaining good oral hygiene and taking care of your teeth and gums are easy yet effective ways to prevent an infection from happening. Here are some steps you can take to avoid root canal infections:
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Practice Proper Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing regularly helps remove plaque and leftover food particles from your teeth and gums, decreasing the risks of tooth decay and infection.
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Schedule Regular Checkups
While brushing and flossing are excellent ways to prevent plaque buildup and infections, visiting your dentists and scheduling regular checkups and cleanings can help keep your teeth in top shape. Dental cleanings are also more thorough in removing plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth.
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Seek Dental Treatment Immediately
If you have a cracked or chipped tooth, immediately seek out your dentist for a solution. Going straight to the doctor in its early stages can lessen the probability of worsening the problem and prevents the tooth from being susceptible to bacteria and infection.
Get Immediate Relief with Root Canal Therapy Now
Root canal infections can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms and can lead to serious dental problems if left untreated. Seeking immediate treatment from an experienced dentist is essential for preventing complications and preserving the affected tooth.
At Madison Dentistry LLC, we provide every patient with quality service through state-of-the-art technology and a dedicated team of dental experts. For all of your dental requirements, we are delighted to address any concerns you may have. Schedule a complimentary consultation with us today.
