Is Your Tooth Trying to Tell You Something? Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
Our body communicates with us all the time. Owing to our busy lives, we rarely seem to be listening to it. The same is true for your teeth. Your tooth may be sending you some signals that mean that a root canal is necessary. But, have you been able to decode those signals yet?
Root Canal Symptoms That You Should be Able To Identify
You should know the signs that tell you that a root canal procedure is necessary for you. The most common warning signs are:
- Excruciating tooth pain at night especially when you lie down
- Severe dental ache that does not allow you to perform your everyday activities.
- Tooth ache that worsens while applying pressure or biting down.
Additional symptoms of a root canal include:
- Darkening or discoloration of the affected tooth
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums around the affected tooth
- Persistent sensitivity to hot or cold foods or beverages that extends long after the stimulus is removed.
Extreme Dental Pain is The Primary Sign
Severe tooth pain is often the main indicator that tells that root canal treatment may be necessary. The pulp of your teeth is the soft tissue inside your tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves. When this pulp is usually infected or inflamed, there is pain. The infection is caused from bacteria that enters the pulp through cracks, deep cavities, or trauma can be extremely painful. In such cases, you can visit our dentist at Waterdown. It is best to seek professional care at the earliest. Early intervention can help you save your natural tooth which otherwise will need extraction in the later stages.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment involves the following 3 steps:
- The removal of the infected or inflamed pulp
- Careful cleaning and disinfecting of the inside of the tooth
- Filling and sealing of the space.
This procedure is designed to save your natural tooth from extraction. By saving your tooth, we can preserve your bite and prevent the adjacent teeth from shifting.
Earlier, people used to associate root canal treatment with a lot of pain and discomfort but modern procedures have made this treatment far more comfortable.
How Painful is a Root Canal?
Most anxious patients have this doubt in their minds. Well, a root canal procedure is a pain-relieving procedure and not pain-inflicting one. The best dentistry in Waterdown utilises advanced techniques and anesthetics to make the root canal procedure absolutely painless and comfortable. Getting a root canal done is almost like getting a large filling. Even if there is any discomfort experienced, routine over-the-counter pain medications can help in managing the mild pain after the procedure.
Root Canal Recovery Tips
After you have completed the root canal treatment at Waterdown, proper aftercare is essential for optimal healing. Key root canal recovery tips include:
- Take prescribed medications as directed
- Avoid chewing on the treated side until permanent restoration is complete
- Maintain good oral hygiene while being gentle around the treated area
- Attend all follow-up appointments
- Avoid hard or sticky foods initially
Most patients can return to normal activities within a day or two, though complete healing may take several weeks.
Get Them Early
Simply give us a call to schedule an appointment with our skilled Waterdown dentist right away if you’re experiencing a chronic toothache. By receiving a root canal early on, you can protect your natural smile and get rid of the pain that has been interfering with your daily activities. Since no artificial replacement can match the quality of your natural pearly whites, it is always best to preserve your natural teeth whenever possible.
