What are the symptoms of root canal

The ‘root canal’ is a means of access between the pulp and roots of a tooth. A number of blood vessels, connective tissues, and nerves are located in this area. Root Canal Treatment (RCT) is a dental procedure performed by the dentist that involves the removal of inflamed or infected tooth pulp from the inside of the tooth. After the removal of the infected pulp, the tooth is sealed back up to protect it from any further damage and pain in the future.

Sometimes, during the root canal procedure, damaged tooth nerves are also removed along with the pulp. These tooth nerves, which are otherwise responsible for sensing heat, coldness, and other stimuli, have no other specific purpose. Hence, they may be removed in order to treat the pain caused by an infection or decay in the tooth pulp.

Root Canal Symptoms

A number of factors may be responsible in the case of an aching tooth and other dental problems. However, not all of them are a matter of concern; some of them can be ignored. Here are some signs and symptoms of a tooth infection that will alert you to see a dentist for root canal treatment:

• The main sign that may notify you that you need a root canal treatment is persistent pain. This pain may bother you all the time, even while eating or pressing something against the teeth. The deep pain in the bone of your tooth may radiate towards the face, jaw, and other teeth. Apart from the root canal, other possibilities for the cause of tooth pain are as follows:
• Gum disease
• Cavity
• Pain due to a sinus infection or other problems
• A damaged filling
• An impacted tooth that may be infected

It is always recommended to see a dentist in cases of tooth pain, especially if the pain is persistent.

• Your teeth may become sensitive after consuming too hot or too cold foods, such as a hot cup of tea or coffee, ice cream, or a cold glass of water. All these things can cause dull or sharp pain in the teeth.
• You may need to see a dentist for a root canal if the pain still lingers even when you stop eating or drinking. (Any sharp pain while eating or drinking is an indication that the blood vessel or nerve in the tooth is either infected or damaged.)
• Discolouration of the tooth may occur when the pulp gets infected. Sometimes, the tooth becomes greyish-black in appearance due to trauma to the tooth or the breakdown of the internal tissue. Though there might be several other reasons for the discolouration of the tooth, it is always a good idea to see a dentist if you notice any sudden change in the colour of your tooth.
• Darkening of gums
• Apart from tooth pain, you may also have swollen gums, which can be a sign that you need root canal treatment. This swelling may be tender and painful to touch. Sometimes, gum boils or gum pimples may also be seen. Pus-filled pockets that may develop in or around the gums give the mouth an unpleasant taste, causing bad breath.
• The tooth itself may become sensitive to touch. This may happen because the ligament around the root tip of the infected tooth has become hypersensitive and the pulp is dying. This dying pulp irritates the ligament, causing immense pain when pressure is applied over the infected tooth.
• It is possible that the bacteria may cause inflammation or infection if a tooth is chipped or cracked by accident, a sports injury, or while chewing something hard. This may lead to nerve damage, causing sensitivity, pain, and the need for an RCT (Root Canal Treatment).
• The prolonged infection may also loosen up your tooth, as the acidic waste from nerve death can soften the bone around the root of a dying tooth. If the infected tooth moves, you should see a dentist for Root Canal Treatment (RCT).

How does a root canal work?

Your dentist will take an x-ray of your tooth to identify the degree of the decay. After identification, the infected tooth is made numb by injecting local anaesthesia so as to make the procedure painless. Thereafter, a hole or an incision in the infected tooth will be made and the decayed pulp will be scrapped out using special instruments. The canal will be thoroughly cleaned using antiseptic and antibacterial solutions. After cleaning and disinfecting, the tooth will be filled and sealed with a special composite filling. The tooth will then be covered with a metal crown to safeguard it from any further damage.

How to prevent tooth pain after root canal treatment?

It is critical to adhere to the oral care treatment plan recommended by the dentist. It is quite normal to feel a little pain or sensitivity after the root canal treatment. By following the proper oral care routine, you can prevent any further pain and damage in the future.

If you are suffering from any dental problems, visit the best dentists only at Yashoda Hospital & Research Centre, Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad. They will help you by suggesting better ways to solve your dental problems.

Book an appointment at Yashoda Hospital, Ghaziabad, best hospital for root canal treatment.