9AM to 5PM

Opening Hours, Mon-Fri

469-626-0131

Call us for Appointment

a dental checkup and consultation 

Root Canal Treatment: Symptoms, Causes, Benefits, and Aftercare

Root canal treatment is a popular dental treatment that focuses on treating the pulp of the tooth. This pulp is made up of nerves and is connected to blood vessels which is why it is so important to treat it when it becomes infected. The inflammation in the pulp can carry bacteria from the cavity to cause more infections in the tooth and gums and even affect the blood vessels. 

Root canal treatment is a type of restorative dental treatment that focuses on protecting the teeth and restoring their function. Root canal treatment is often recommended by dentists to ensure that you have healthy teeth for years to come. 

Root canal treatment is a preventative procedure and is great for avoiding costly dental treatment down the line. There are many functional benefits of this treatment, as well as cosmetic ones. 

What Are The Main Causes Of Root Canal Damage?

ongoing dental treatment

There are various factors that can contribute to root canal damage. Here are some of them:

1. Tooth Decay

Root canal damage has been linked to tooth decay. The bacteria formed in the mouth can lead to acidity and corrosion of the enamel. If a cavity is ignored for too long, the buildup can lead to infection of the pulp, resulting in root canal damage. Root canal treatments can reduce this inflammation in the pulp.

2. Trauma

If your teeth have suffered trauma or injury, your dentist might suggest root canal treatment. Sports injuries are often linked to root canal damage. The pulp can become inflamed if there has been injury often resulting in root canal damage. 

3. Cracks and Chipping

If your tooth have cracks or chips, then the pulp can be exposed to bacteria that cause infection and inflammation. Those who experience teeth grinding or clenching of the jaw also suffer from root canal damage because of the strain that this causes to the teeth. 

4. Dental Procedures

Another common reason for root canal damage is multiple dental procedures. If you have previously gotten multiple dental treatments and procedures such as fillings and crowns, you are more susceptible to root canal damage. Invasive procedures can weaken the structure of the tooth leading to even more infections and inflammation. This is why it is so important to consult a preventative dentistry expert before considering any dental services. 

5. Gum Diseases

If you have a history of gum diseases, then you need to be more careful about your dental health. The gums can expose the roots to more bacteria and inflammation resulting in root canal damage. There are many gum diseases that can have adverse effects on the structure of your teeth, including bone loss around the area and severe infections of the pulp. 

6. Genetics

Genetics also play an important role in making individuals more susceptible to root canal damage. The field of family dentistry focuses on not only identifying enamel defects and weaknesses, but also on finding ways to counter the genetic factors that contribute to them. 

It is important to note that despite these factors, good oral hygiene and frequent trips to the dentist can help prevent root canal damage. We recommend that you consult a dentist regarding root canal damage to identify the specific causes. 

How To Tell If You Need Root Canal Treatment?

If you have been experiencing oral pain and discomfort and have been diagnosed with root canal damage, then it is time to get root canal treatment. A dentist is an authority on when this treatment should be administered, but here are some symptoms that indicate you might need root canal treatment. 

1. Severe Toothache

The first symptom of root canal damage is experiencing severe toothache. This type of toothache intensifies if you eat or chew foods. It can make it very hard for the patient to consume food. In this case, schedule a checkup with your dentist.

2. Increased Tooth Sensitivity

While many of us experience tooth sensitivity to temperature, in case of root canal damage, you may experience prolonged sensitivity of the teeth. Sensitivity coupled with inflammation and swelling is a common sign of root canal damage, in which case the dentist will suggest root canal treatment. 

3. Swollen Or Tender Gums 

If your gums are swollen to a point that it is visible on your face, or your gums are tender, chances are you have sustained damage to the pulp and will require root canal treatment. 

4. Discoloration

Tooth discoloration should never be taken lightly, as it means there is some sort of infection at play. If your tooth is turning grey or black, you will need to consult a dentist, who will conduct X-rays to see what the problem is. 

5. Bumps On The Gums

Bumps on the gums usually signal swelling, but in some cases, you will experience pimple-like bumps which are usually a sign that there is abscess or pus due to an infection. In that case, you will need root canal treatment. 

6. Loose Tooth

If your teeth have weakened over time, becoming loose or shifting their position, then the dentist will suggest root canal treatment. This is because without root canal treatment, you may permanently lose or damage a tooth. 

These symptoms are often a sign that the patient is suffering from severe dental issues and will need proper treatment such as root canal treatment to combat these issues. 

Aftercare Tips For Root Canal Treatment 

tooth brush used for cleaning teeth 

If you have successfully gotten a root canal treatment, then it is important to learn more about aftercare. The root canal treatment is quite invasive and patients have to follow the aftercare steps to ensure they heal properly and can prevent damage to the teeth and gums. 

1. Chewing

The treated tooth is still recovering and has yet to receive the permanent filling or crown. This is why you should avoid consuming hard foods until it heals properly. 

2. Medication

Taking pain medication is not enough after the treatment. Patients have to complete their dose of antibiotics to ensure that they can cure the infection and prevent it from coming back. 

3. Good Oral Hygiene

After experiencing a serious infection and recovering, patients must adopt healthier practices so that they can prevent infections in the future and do not have to undergo several dental treatments. 

4. Schedule a Follow-Up Appointment With a Dentist

Speaking of good oral hygiene, a great practice is to schedule regular dental checkups with a family dentist to ensure that you and your family have good oral health. By using the services of Chase Oaks Family Dentist, you can get the best treatments with the most reliable dental specialists in the region. 

Call now to schedule a root canal treatment in Plano

Leave a Comment