A root canal is the interior part of the tooth where the pulp resides. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels. Treatments involving the pulp are called root canals. Root canals remove the inner part of the tooth and seal it to prevent infection.
Unfortunately, some individuals can be scared or worried about a root canal. This may cause a person to delay their root canal procedure. When a root canal is delayed, patients risk infection, damage, and the possibility of the tooth dying. Failing to care for your root canal is a form of poor oral health that can lead to various consequences.
The Details of a Root Canal
Although some may be worried about a root canal, the dental procedure is nothing to fear. In fact, root canals are an extremely straightforward, safe, and common treatment. Patients will receive a carefully administered local anesthetic to numb the area.
Patients may experience a slight pinch during the injection of numbing solution. After that, the individual should not feel any pain and can relax. After the procedure, there can be soreness around the treated area. The soreness will fade within a day for many patients, but over-the-counter pain-relieving medications may be needed.
Delaying Root Canal Treatment
Those who delay a root canal treatment may experience a wide range of oral health problems. That’s why the first step in treating a patient is to gain a thorough understanding of the patient’s condition and form a treatment plan. The longer you wait to take action, the more likely you will suffer from side effects.
Delaying root canal treatment can result in the following:
- Pain can worsen.
- The tooth can die.
- The tooth may become brittle and break.
- The infection can spread.
- You can develop gum disease.
By being proactive and taking care of your oral health, you can reduce the chance of experiencing negative effects from delaying treatment. In the process, you may save your infected tooth.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
For those of you who have never had a root canal, here are several signs you should know. For instance, you will know if you need a root canal from the following:
- Your teeth are in pain when chewing or biting down on food.
- There is noticeable swelling on the gums near the affected tooth.
- The infected tooth is discolored and darkened.
- The tooth is sensitive to hot or cold temperatures.
If you experience any of the above, you may be in need of a root canal to relieve tooth pain or remove an infection. Delaying treatment may cause unnecessary pain or require more dental work, which is why delaying a root canal should be avoided.
You can help avoid root canal procedures by taking care of your teeth and maintaining good oral health. The following can help keep your teeth clean and potentially avoid root canal treatment:
- Flossing after meals
- Getting your tooth pain checked immediately
- Wearing a proper night guard if you are known to clench your jaw
- Avoiding acidic foods
- Brushing your teeth twice a day
- Refraining from chewing hard or sticky candies
- Scheduling regular dental cleanings and checkups
- Refraining from chewing ice
- Avoiding hard foods and candies
The above can help prevent root canals and keep your teeth clean.
Find Root Canal Treatment
If you are experiencing tooth pain, it may be time to see a dentist to determine the severity of your oral health. Those with sensitive teeth, pain when eating, or swollen gums may find relief through a root canal.
At Encino Family Dental, our team of experts can help you find the right treatment. We focus on the patient’s individual needs to determine the best option for saving or treating an infected, painful tooth.