Believe it or not, root canal infection is a common dental problem. It is a major cause of tooth decay, in which the infection occurs at the pulp, where most of the nerves and blood vessels are located. The only treatment option includes the complete removal of the affected section.
Don’t worry; your tooth can survive without the pulp as it receives proper nutrition from the adjoining tissues. If you are suffering from severe tooth pain and discomfort, there is a high chance that it is a root canal infection. Keep reading to get an insight into the dental problem, its symptoms, and treatments.
What is a root canal infection?
As mentioned earlier, root canal infection originates at the pulp of a tooth, located in the innermost layer of dentin. It comprises blood vessels and nerves encased within a soft tissue layer. The infection primarily causes pain and inflammation followed by decay.
These are some of the causes for the dental problem to arise in the first place.
- Tooth crack
- Fractured roots
- Internal damage to the pulp
- Excessive dental procedures
- Periodontal disease
Symptoms of root canal infection
Typically pain and discomfort in the inner tooth can be associated with root canal infection. Additionally, you can sense some tenderness and swelling around the area. When that happens, visit your nearby dentist before it gets too late.
The following list contains some of the prominent symptoms of the dental condition. Schedule a dentist appointment at Creative Dental Clinic if you feel any of these symptoms.
- Tooth pain and discomfort: By now, you should be aware that the early indication of the infection includes pain, discomfort, and tenderness. If kept untreated, the pain can become extreme and unbearable to the point where chewing becomes impossible.
- Pus discharge: Another worrisome symptom is the occasional pus discharge from the infected area. The liquid that drains out is mostly yellow and greenish in color. Moreover, it can leave behind a bad taste and a foul odor in your mouth.
- Swelling and redness: In most cases, the gums around the teeth get swollen in the vent of the root canal infection. You can experience some visible redness and changes in the tooth temperature. Over time, the symptoms can spread to the throat and face, which is a painful experience.
How is the infection treated?
Root canal treatment requires a surgical procedure to remove the parts that are infected from within the pulp. Here is how the entire procedure takes place.
- The dentist will take a photographic image of the area using an X-ray to analyze the extent of the infection and tissue damage.
- Before the process begins you will be administered with a local anesthesia.
- Then a protective barrier will be placed around the tooth to prevent it from getting damaged in the follow-up process.
- Now a small drill will be inserted to get access to the root canal to thoroughly clean up the area.
- The dead tissues and infected portions of the pulp will be removed.
- The area will be cleaned again by applying a latex-based polymer.
- Additionally, a protective amalgam will be installed to secure the tooth.
- Lastly, a permanent cap will be placed if needed to make it future-proof.
Preventive measures to avoid further infection
Sometimes, signs of infection after root canal treatment arise when you don’t take proper care of your teeth. To avoid going through the hassle of the treatment, you must follow these steps as preventive measures.
- Brush your teeth twice a day.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash for some time after the surgery.
- Take pain medication when needed.
- Revisit the dentist to get the final crown.
- Consider dental cleaning a couple of times a year to keep your teeth healthy.
- Consult the dentist again if you notice signs of infection after the root canal.
Visit us today at Creative Dental Clinic if you are facing any of the aforementioned root canal symptoms. Our expert diagnosis and top-quality treatment will help you ditch your dental issues.