A root canal is an important dental procedure that aims at removing the infected
or inflamed pulp from the inside of the teeth. Based on science, this dental care process can be termed as endodontic treatment. Oral hygiene can influence your health and overall well-being. The enamel plays a significant role in insulating and protecting your teeth from corrosion, pressure, and heat. There are numerous benefits of a root canal procedure, including boosting oral health, preventing tooth loss, reducing the risk of jawbone degeneration, boosting the aesthetics of teeth, and preventing infection of neighboring teeth. This procedure involves deep cleaning inside the tooth canal. It can cause irritation on the surrounding gums and nerves, but the pain and irritation will disappear within a few days.
Below are signs you need a root canal procedure:
1. Severe Pain in the Tooth
Most people with decayed and damaged teeth complain about sharp pain, especially when the teeth are under pressure. The severity of this pain depends on the level of tooth decay. Therefore, if you’re experiencing spontaneous pain in your mouth, consult your dentist.
2. Swelling in the Gums
Swollen gums are an early sign of an infection at the tooth’s root. It can be accompanied by inflammation. There are various causes of swelling gums: sensitivity to toothpaste or mouthwash, infection by a virus, scurvy, inflamed gums, malnutrition, side effects of medication, poorly fitted dentures, etc. Swollen gums indicate that the blood flow between the pulp chambers of your teeth and jaw’s vessels is off.
3. Extreme Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity and pain in your tooth is a sign of dental health issues. If your tooth is susceptible to cold and hot foods, it’s a sign that you need a root canal. Tooth sensitivity occurs because the pulp chamber in your tooth is infected.
4. Discoloration of the Tooth
A dead tooth acts as a breeding ground for bacteria. Based on research, a dead tooth might appear black or grey. This dental issue occurs when there’s a rupture of blood vessels in the pulp chamber. Therefore, if you detect tooth discoloration, opt for a dental emergency.
5. Cracked or Chipped Tooth
There are various factors that can cause chipped or cracked teeth: being involved in contact sports and eating hard foods. A cracked tooth exposes the nerves to infections. An infection in the tooth’s root will spread to other teeth via the bloodstream. To control this infection, you need a root canal to prevent other dental health issues.
6. Pimples on the Gums
Pimples on your gums is a signifies a leakage of infected fluids into your gum’s tissues. This issue can cause severe infections in your oral health, including abscesses. A root canal procedure will help in combating the infection.
7. Discoloration of the Gums
Root infection can show up as gum discoloration. Sometimes you may notice a darker patch on your gum. It occurs as a result of infiltrated plaque or restricted blood flow, especially at the pulp layer of the affected tooth.
Conclusion
A root canal is an essential dental procedure that will prevent further damage to your teeth. This process might cause irritation of the neighboring sections of your oral health, but the pain will disappear within a short span.