When you experience excruciating pain and discomfort in your teeth, you may be wondering if you need a root canal. This procedure is commonly known as root canal therapy. Treatment is recommended when the nerve is infected and inflamed. That’s usually caused by cavities, or if the tooth is cracked, broken, or injured. During treatment, the dentist will find a way to remove the infected pulp. Therefore, the dentist will drill a hole in the tooth. The hole will allow the dentist to remove the pulp and clean the canal area. After removing the pulp and cleaning, the hole will be sealed with cement. Sealing the hole prevents further damage. A visit to an endodontist or dentist is vital to determine if you need the procedure. Patients are advised to follow the advice of dentists. That’s because they know if the procedure can completely cure their problem.
Symptoms of root infection
According to dentists, toothache is the most common symptom of root infection. The bread can be soft or severe. That depends on the level of infection. The pain may increase during the day or when biting down on the tooth. Some patients with root infection experience tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods and liquids. The gums may also show symptoms of root canal infection. The gums will become tender and swollen near the infected area. If you experience any of these symptoms, place an ice pack on your jaw. That will help reduce the pain. Next, you need to contact or visit a dentist as soon as possible. Dentists have the skills and equipment to test if the symptoms are caused by a root infection.
Diagnosis before treatment
The treatment process begins with a proper examination of the tooth. An x-ray will diagnose the problem. X-ray images will show decomposition. After examining your teeth, the dental expert will tell you the best course of action to take. If the infection is complex or widespread, the dentist will refer you to an endodontist. The endodontist is a specialist who treats nerve damage. The specialist will determine if endodontics will be necessary or if a less invasive treatment alternative can be chosen. That will be based on her findings.
Tips for care after treatment
After treatment, the tooth is likely to last a long time. However, that is only possible with good dental care. The success rate of treatment is very high. Listed below are ways to care for the tooth after treatment.
· Practice good oral hygiene: floss every day and brush twice a day. This prevents future dental infections.
· Visit dentists regularly: This will allow you to access expert dental cleaning.
· Avoid chewing hard foods: Chewing hard, cold foods can lead to tooth breakage.