By now, everyone has heard about root canal treatment. A root canal is an essential dental procedure that is performed to prevent tooth loss. Countless people have acquired this treatment and get benefited from it. The root canal is an amazing procedure that can help you avoid tooth extraction. However, you must go for a root canal only after consulting an experienced dentist. The general problem with root canal treatment lies in the misconception surrounding the treatment. People carry the notion that a root canal is a painful procedure. For this reason, they shrink away from root canals whenever the treatment gets prescribed by a dentist. However, modern medical technologies have made this treatment painless. Therefore, you can be assured that a root canal will not make you scream or cry.
Root Canal – The Need
So, when do you need root canal treatment? Although you will need a dentist’s consultation before you can get this treatment, it is important to know the signs that you need a root canal treatment. Before you know when you need root canal treatment, it is important to understand why a root canal is done.
This treatment is an effective one that gets performed to get rid of the infected tooth. If you have tooth decay, you need to go for this treatment. A root canal becomes required when you have a serious bacterial infection and your teeth are suffering due to it. A root canal treatment becomes necessary when bacteria penetrate the tooth cavity and infects dental pulps. If you leave your cavity untreated, you may get infected by oral bacteria. Teeth sometimes get damaged due to trauma. A cracked or damaged tooth is dangerous because such a tooth leads to serious oral ailments. If you experience any awkwardness around your gum or dental area, you should see a dentist without losing any time.
Symptoms of Root Canal Treatment
Sometimes dental problems commence without showing any sign. This is the biggest problem which you may face. However, you may notice some common signs which will tell you that you need root canal treatment. Here are some signs which say that you need some special treatment to combat your dental problems.
Consistent Tooth Problems
Toothache is common. Various dental problems cause toothache. However, if your toothache is not going away, you should think about getting medical assistance. Untreated toothache can cause discomfort around the mouth gum and facial area. Therefore, you must be careful about toothache and see a dentist the moment you notice the first twist of pain.
Heat or Cold Sensitivity
Sensitivity to heat or cold is an indication that your teeth need immediate treatment. If you don’t see a dentist, the sensitivity will increase and eventually damage your teeth’ enamel. In this case, your teeth must be hiding some deep-rooted problems to make you feel such discomfort. Note whether the pain lasts for a moment or stays for a longer period.
Gum Swelling
Swelling is a common problem as well. Gum swelling could mean you may be suffering from a bacterial infection. Puss sometimes gathers inside the gum area. With time this puss cause gum to swell and turn puffy.
Gum Pimple
Boil or pimple development on the gum may mean pus infection as well. If you have a bad taste in your mouth due to the gum pimple, you must understand that pus is coming out of the area.
Jaw Swelling
There are times when pus does not come out of the affected area. In that case, you may experience jaw swelling.
Discolored Tooth
Draining pus may cause tooth discoloration. If you see that you are losing the natural color of your teeth, you should see a dental care professional who knows about the problem you are suffering from.
Is Root Canal A Common Treatment?
The root canal is a common treatment. Every year a lot of people go for root canal treatment to solve their dental problems.
Root Canal Treatment – Preparation
How do you prepare for root canal treatment? If you have a lot of doubt, you can speak to your dental care provider. They will answer all your questions and tell you what to do. Given below is a list of things you can do to prepare yourself for root canal treatment.
You must take all the medicines the dentist has prescribed you. Antibiotic medicines are common ones that dentists prescribe to patients. You must follow your dentist’s instructions carefully if you want to prepare yourself for root canal treatment.
Your dentist may tell you to quit smoking as tobacco hinders body immunity. It compromises your ability to deal with health problems and heal automatically. Therefore, dentists ask patients to quit smoking before root canal treatment.
A balanced diet is another required addition that your dentist may suggest to you. The anesthesia will make your mouth numb. Therefore, you need to eat your meal before you go for treatment.
What Can You Expect After a Root Cana Treatment?
People frequently get confused about root canal treatment. They don’t understand what they should do after the treatment is done. Usually, the pain reduces immediately after the treatment. However, you may feel a little discomfort around your teeth and gum area even after the treatment. Tooth sensitivity is common after the root canal. These symptoms don’t last for a long time. Therefore, you should not worry about them.
Who Can Perform the Treatment?
Your regular dentist might not be able to perform this treatment without experience and skill because usually, root canal specialists perform root canal treatments. A general dentist will be able to treat a tooth with few roots. However, if you need a root canal on a tooth that has multiple roots, you will need a specialist.
Dental Care after Root Canal
Even if the pain reduces right after the treatment, you may experience a slight ache or sensation around your teeth and gum area as the effect of anesthesia wears off. To cure this, your dentist may prescribe anti-inflammatory medicines. Regular consumption of these medicines usually reduces pain and discomfort. Gargling with salt water is an effective solution to toothache. Salt works like a wonder when it comes to killing bacteria. Ice cream helps in reducing tooth swell. You can apply a cold compress to control toothache. However, don’t eat ice cream using your treated tooth as you may experience some discomfort.