An infection in the root of a tooth can be dangerous. When it affects the nerve, the dentist may indicate a procedure known as root canal treatment. This treatment is specially designed to save the tooth when the infection has reached the dental pulp. Learn more about this procedure in this article.
What is root canal therapy all about?
Root canal therapy is usually indicated to treat an infection that has become a complication, such as a dental abscess.
This procedure can relieve pain and save the tooth. However, it also applies when the tooth cannot be saved. During this procedure, the dentist removes the pulp of the affected tooth and fills the cavity with a special material.
Before carrying out the treatment, the dentist will evaluate the pain, swelling, signs of infection, and the level of damage caused to the tooth.
If the treatment is carried out in time, it can stop the infection and prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth.
When do you need a root canal?
You should opt for this treatment when you present the following set of symptoms:
- Constant mouth pain, especially when you chew or bite
- The sensation of discomfort is quite hard to pinpoint.
- Mild or intermittent pain in the gums.
- Pain in the sinus area.
- Sharp or intense pain that does not go away.
In any case, the dentist is the one who can determine whether or not it is necessary to perform this procedure after directly checking the mouth. In your consultation, the professional will explain the details of your case and will tell you if this treatment is the best for you.
How is a root canal performed?
An anesthetic is first administered, and then treatment is started by drilling a hole in the top of the tooth (crown) to allow the dentist access to the pulpal tissue.
Once the dentist locates the affected pulp tissue, he removes it. To do this, he carefully cleans and enlarges the space to provide a clean surface where he can place the permanent filling. This packing is to prevent further infection and discomfort.
After the root canal has been filled, a crown will be placed to restore the natural tooth. This also helps prevent the tooth from further fracturing.
Root canal treatment is usually done in one or more visits. It all depends on the case.
What Are the Signs of Infection After A Root Canal?
After root canal treatment, some patients may present root canal infection, so pay attention to the following symptoms. Infections after root canal tooth include:
- Feeling of lethargy or abnormal exhaustion.
- Severe pain persisted for a few days after the procedure.
- High fever.
- A recurring pimple on the gums.
- Heat around the tooth.
What causes a root canal to get infected?
There are several reasons why a tooth can become infected after this procedure.
- The shape of root canals can be complicated, making it difficult to fully clean and disinfect them.
- Sometimes there are extra canals with bacteria, which are hard to be seen. They may be re-infecting your tooth.
- Delayed placement of the crown. This also allows harmful bacteria to return to the tooth.
Our team of specialised dentists can determine if you need root canal therapy. Do not hesitate to visit us if you experience any discomfort in your oral health.
