Are your teeth in pain when you eat? Did your teeth recently suffer from trauma or have you recently cracked or fractured a tooth?
If you’re facing any of the following symptoms below, you may be in need of a root canal procedure.
Root Canal Symptoms
· Pressure-sensitive painful areas deep in your teeth
· Extreme sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that linger for long periods
· Bumps on the gums near the painful areas
· Darkening of the tooth
· Swelling in the gums near the area in pain
The Procedure
Root canals are routinely recommended by dentists when there is serious decay and infection of the tooth pulp along with the common symptoms. The procedure includes multiple steps to remove the infected tooth pulp, and the affected nerve (at times) to seal the area and protect you from future pain and damage.
“Root Canal” specifically refers to the passages that connect the tooth to the pulp and the roots. These areas are sensitive because they contain nerves and blood vessels. They feel sensations like heat, cold and pain.
How does a root canal ease the pain?
Root canals involve:
· Assessing the source of pain and infection
· Cleaning out decayed pulp to let you heal
· Drain the teeth out of infected material before filling and sealing it
· Providing a crown or a composite filling to help guard your tooth from future pain and damage
Root Canal Aftercare
You may feel some pain and sensitivity after having a root canal procedure. In this case, the best thing you can do is be vigilant with your oral care. Brushing gently or using softer brushes may be something to consider if you’re feeling sore. If necessary, your dentist may recommend taking Ibuprofen for couple of days after the procedure, which helps with discomfort and reduces inflammation.
It’s also extremely important to maintain the crown or filling that’s been placed in your tooth to avoid infection.
