Signs You Need Root Canal
When the tooth pulp that consists of blood vessels gets infected, a root canal may be necessary. This dental treatment entails the removal of the infected pulp and cleaning the tooth's pulp using disinfectant. Then, your dentist adds filling in the remaining space after removing the decayed pulp and seals the tooth. After finishing a root canal, your dentist may place a crown or tooth abutment to protect the treated tooth. While a root canal can be effective, you may not know when to get the treatment. Here are the telltale signs that you require root canal treatment.
Tooth Color Change
Tooth staining may occur due to smoking and frequently taking dark-pigmented drinks like red wine. The dental treatments for this kind of staining may include wearing dental crowns or bleaching your teeth. However, your tooth may get discolored due to a pulp infection. When the blood vessels die due to a lack of sufficient blood supply, the base of your tooth may develop a grayish-black appearance. Hence, a root canal may be necessary to eliminate the decayed pulp and restore your tooth's original color.
Gum Swelling
When your gums swell, this may signify an infection of your tooth's root. The swelling may be persistent and may cause biting and chewing difficulty. Also, in severe cases, dental fistulas may form. A fistula refers to a channel for pus when your tooth is infected. As the channel fills with pus, it swells and may protrude on the gum surface. Root canal treatment eliminates infected blood vessels easing gum sensitivity and swelling.
Persistent Toothache and Sensitivity
Tooth pain may occur due to issues like tooth fractures or gum disease. Nevertheless, your tooth pulp may be infected if you experience severe and persistent tooth pain. Additionally, if you feel a sharp pain when you take hot or cold drinks, your tooth's blood vessels may be exposed and decayed. Thus, a root canal may be necessary.
Tooth Looseness
A healthy tooth holds tightly into the gum and receives sufficient blood and nutrients for healthy growth. However, when the tooth pulp gets infected by bacteria, your tooth may have an insufficient supply of nutrients and become weak. Also, when the nerves and tissue around the tooth root die, they release acidic waste that may soften the bone around the dying tooth root. This results in tooth mobility, which increases tooth loss risks. In such cases, you require a root canal to treat the infected root fast.
The indicators for root canal treatment include gum swelling, tooth looseness, persistent toothache and sensitivity, and tooth color change. Consider getting a root canal service when you notice these signs.
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