The root canal is a hollow space inside the tooth that contains pulp, nerves, and other tissues. This space is filled with a soft substance known as pulp. When the pulp becomes infected, it can result in severe pain and swelling.
What Is a Root Canal Infection?
A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. During a root canal, the pulp is removed from the tooth, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Without treatment, the infection in the tooth can spread to the bone around the roots of the tooth. If the infection spreads to your jawbone, your tooth may have to be removed. This is why it is important to receive treatment as soon as possible.
Symptoms of a Root Canal Infection
If you have any of the following symptoms, you may need a root canal to save your tooth from infection:
- Severe toothache
- Swelling of the cheek and neck
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Tenderness when chewing or biting down
- Fever and/or chills
- Discoloration of the tooth
What to Expect During the Dental Procedure
The procedure for a root canal is very simple. The dentist will start by numbing the area that will be treated. Then, your dentist will clean out any infected tissue within the canals of your tooth and seal them using a special filling material. Then, they will place a crown over the tooth to restore its function and protect it from further injury. Without a restoration, your tooth may become brittle and prone to fractures.
The process of the treatment is fast and comfortable, though you may experience some minor soreness for a few days after your procedure. However, this pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. If you notice severe pain or swelling after the procedure, contact a dentist right away.
The process of root canal treatment is relatively simple and quick with today’s modern dental technologies. An endodontist will remove the infected pulp from your tooth and then clean and seal the empty canal to protect it from further decay. The restoration process is individualized depending on the condition of your tooth after the procedure. For example, you may need a crown to add strength to a tooth that has a large filling or has had previous damage.
Once you’ve undergone this restorative procedure, you will need to practice excellent oral hygiene habits to keep the treated area healthy and prevent further tooth decay. If you continue to suffer from frequent toothaches, swelling around your gums, or any other concerns related to the endodontic treatment of your root canal, call your dentist.
Endodontic therapy is an effective way to treat inflammation in the soft tissues and roots of your teeth. While this procedure has a very high success rate, there are some rare complications that may occur during or after the treatment process. Most frequently occurring are infections that occur as a result of the treatment and require immediate medical intervention. When these occur, patients can experience increased pain and sensitivity in the area, as well as localized swelling and redness. If any of these signs appear after treatment, contact our office immediately so we can determine the best course of action and continue monitoring the outcome of your procedure.
If you have any other questions that were not covered in this post, or if you have any concerns regarding your upcoming procedure, please call us to speak with our friendly team.
