A root canal infection occurs in the roots of a tooth. The infection happens when bacteria gets into the pulp chamber of the tooth. The pulp chamber is the soft area inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels.
The bacteria can cause inflammation in the tooth and swelling. The swelling is painful and can cause discomfort. It’s important to treat the infection. If you don’t, it can lead to more severe problems, such as tooth loss.
Root Canal Symptoms
The symptoms of root canal infection typically include pain, swelling, and sensitivity to heat and cold. The other symptoms of root canal infection include the following:
- Toothache
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Heightened teeth sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks
- Severe bad breath
- Infection of lymph nodes in the neck
- Facial swelling
- Fever
A root canal procedure will typically eliminate these symptoms and ease the pain.
When Is A Root Canal Needed?
A root canal procedure is necessary when the dental pulp becomes infected. The pulp is the soft tissue that lies inside a tooth and contains nerves and blood vessels. When the pulp becomes infected, it can lead to an abscessed tooth. An abscessed tooth must be treated with a root canal procedure.
What Is A Root Canal Procedure?
During a root canal procedure, the inflamed or infected pulp (tissue inside the root of a tooth) is removed. Once the infected pulp is removed, the root canals are cleaned and sealed. If the entire tooth cannot be saved, an extraction may be performed.
What Happens During A Root Canal Procedure?
The dentist or endodontist will first numb the area with a local anesthetic. Once completely numb, the dentist will begin the procedure by drilling into the tooth to create an opening in the top.
Next, they will carefully remove the damaged soft tissues and nerves from the tooth. This will give the tooth a hollowed shape, which is where it gets the nickname “root canal.”
The dentist will then disinfect the inside of the tooth and seal it to prevent bacteria from entering the tooth. Some patients may require a dental crown following their root canal treatment. The crown will cover the tooth and protect it from further damage.
After your root canal, your tooth may feel sensitive for a few days before you can return to eating the foods that you love, but your dentist can prescribe an anti-sensitivity toothpaste to alleviate the discomfort.
Schedule an appointment with Lincolnway Dental Center to learn more about the root canal procedure. Walk into 648 North Randall Road, Aurora, IL 60506. Contact us at (630) 897-1300 or visit our website for more information.