Signs and Symptoms Indicating You Need Root Canal Procedure

Toothache does not mean you need a root canal or endodontic treatment. The inner tooth between pulp and tooth roots has blood vessels that deliver nutrients to your teeth. Some nerves detect sensations like pressure, heat, and cold. When there is pulp infection or tooth decay there is a need to remove the nerve.

What are the causes of endodontic infection?

An endodontic infection is due to several reasons even though the main culprit is the penetration of bacteria inside the pulp. The root canal specialist at Orion Dental Specialties determines endodontic infection by looking at the way bacteria has invaded the pulp.

• Dental decay allows bacteria penetration inside the pulp and causes infection.
• An avulsed or damaged or cracked tooth opens the way for the bacteria to penetrate.
• Tooth displacement can cause subluxation or intrusion or extrusion.
• Abnormality in tooth anatomy increases the risk of pulp infection
• Sterile necrosis because of tooth concussion is also a possibility for endodontic infection

In such scenarios, the dentist at Orion will recommend endodontic therapy. You can even identify some of the associated signs and symptoms to determine the need for endodontic treatment.

Identifiable symptoms

• Swelling – Pronounced swelling with tooth pain that lasts for several weeks indicates endodontic treatment. Swelling can look normal yet have some tenderness or an obvious lump. Some patients experience swelling expansion to their neck or face.
• Pain – Consistent, sharp, pulsating intense pain that does not allow the person to sleep at night. Pain triggering because of pressure, tapping, or food sensitivity. Painkillers don’t work on toothache.
• General feel of illness – Fever, tender lymph nodes or swelling makes you feel uneasy and ill. It is sensible to consult a certified dentist ASAP to save losing your tooth.
• Tenderness in the gums – Gums swell in front and are pronounced. Foul breath from the swelling is because of pus oozing from the interior tooth. The lump can last for months with a bad toothache.

The root canal dentist will listen to your symptoms and recommend methods to indicate any issues in the canal root.

• X-rays
• Tap on the problematic tooth
• Identify consistent gum boils
• Cavity test
• Check occurred nerve exposure
• Find darkened tooth

Every single method is not used, but root canals therapy recommendations can be made using only an X-ray. Nevertheless, dentists use several techniques for precise diagnosis.

Pros and cons of endodontic therapy

Pros

• Relief from toothache
• Scraping bacteria means prevention of infection from spreading
• Recovery of the problematic tooth takes a few days
• Adjoining teeth are protected
• Abscess formation is stopped
• Maintain natural chewing habits

Cons

• Experience discomfort and little pain for a few days
• Possibility of tooth discoloration
• The tooth is weak after therapy, so chewing actions are disallowed for a few days.
• A treated tooth does not regain its original strength and solidity.
• 100% cleanliness of canal root is impossible, so the possibility of recurrence of infection increases.

Ensure to choose a certified dentist to perform endodontic therapy as they have more practical knowledge and deep experience in treating canal root issues.