Root canal pain can be a pest, especially in the middle of a scorching hot summer when the weather can really be a drain. Luckily, we here at Heroes Dental are ready to help get you on the right track so you can enjoy a healthy smile and the rest of season.
If you have been dealing with tooth pain and don’t know where to turn to next, then consider the following information about root canals.
What is a root canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure that is used to remove any infected or decaying tooth pulp while also relieving the patient of any pain. This procedure is meant to preserve the tooth if possible. If the tooth has already suffered substantial damage, removal may be required.
What Can Cause Me to Need a Root Canal?
There are a few risk factors that can result in root canal pain including:
- 1. Tooth Damage – Cracks or chips in your tooth can cause tooth root canal pain as well as tooth decay.
- 2. Tooth Decay – Tooth decay will start to affect your root canal when the decay has penetrated the outer layers of your tooth.
- 3. Trauma – Should you suffer from some sort of blunt trauma that causes you to chip or loosen a tooth, the resulting damage can cause you to need a root canal.
If you have serious pain from decay or infection, then your family dentist here at Heroes Dental may recommend a root canal.
Red Flags You May Need a Root Canal
Not all instances of a tooth infection mean you will need a root canal but there are some big red flags that you should look out for including:
- 1. Severe tooth pain when eating
- 2. A small bump reminiscent to a pimple on the gums near the area of your tooth pain
- 3. Tooth darkening
- 4. Swelling of the gums causing tenderness near the tooth pain
- 5. Pain when adding pressure to the area
Once you find out that you will need a root canal, it is extremely important that you schedule this procedure right away. A serious infection becomes a ticking time bomb that can explode at any minute and can possibly spread to other vulnerable tissues and areas like your heart.
What Happens During Your Root Canal?
A root canal procedure may take some time depending on the severity of the situation but it will be worth it. During a root canal, your dentist will be removing the inflamed or infected part of your tooth called the pulp. Your dentist will then clean out and shape the inside of your infected tooth, then fill and seal it so it is protected from any additional infection. Here is a general step-by-step process that your dentist will take during a root canal:
- 1. Your dentist will likely use local anesthesia to numb the area, ensuring the procedure is painless.
- 2. X-rays will then be taken to help your dentist work on the damaged tooth.
- 3. Using various instruments, your dentist will remove the pulp of the tooth (where the infection is), clean out the infected area, then fill your tooth with an appropriate filling.
- 4. Following this portion, the dentist will make an impression of your tooth in order to make a crown. You may get a temporary crown until the official one can be made and implanted.
Aftercare
After your root canal, you will need to be careful when chewing and biting. You should typically wait until your official crown gets placed in your tooth before continuing with your traditional diet. Chewing or biting on the treated tooth could result in new cracks and additional issues.
If you happen to experience any of the following, it’s extremely important to contact your dentist:
- 1. Swelling
- 2. Any signs of infection
- 3. Allergic reactions
- 4. Uneven bite
- 5. Bleeding
- 6. Itching
- 7. Excessive pain
- 8. Fever
If you think you may be in need of a root canal, do not hesitate to seek out medical attention. Contact Heroes Dental today.
If you have been experiencing oral pain or any of the mentioned root canal signs, do not wait to book an appointment with Heroes Dental. Your oral health is our number one priority.
Our experts are conveniently located throughout South Texas with offices in McAllen, Laredo, Mission, San Juan, Pharr, and Edinburg to meet your family’s dental needs.