Root Canals: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
“You need a root canal treatment” is one of the least popular words spoken by dentists. But for all the myths and hype surrounding the procedure, root canal treatments are not painful and are not worth dreading!
If you’ve been told you need a root canal treatment, reading the last statement probably doesn’t make the anxiety instantly go away. It’s natural to feel scared about a treatment you know little about, especially after only hearing the negatives.
You can overcome your natural fear by learning more about what causes infections and how we treat them. The more you know about your root canal treatment, the better prepared you’ll be.
In this guide, we share the causes and symptoms, discuss what you can expect from your endodontic procedure, and offer tips to prevent repeat infections.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal Treatment?
Dental infections occur because there are bacteria inside your tooth. In the heart of every tooth is a chamber filled with living tissue and nerve endings. These living cells are also found in the root canals extending below the jawline.
A root canal treatment is a procedure for extracting infected matter from deep inside your tooth. If you have an infection and don’t have this treatment, you may lose the tooth, and the problem can spread to other parts of your mouth and body.
How Do I Know If I Have an Infection?
The most noticeable symptom that could make you wonder if you have a dental infection is a toothache. You may also get a toothache if you have weak tooth enamel, a cavity, or damage to your tooth.
Pain from infections is often more severe than other dental issues. This is because the tissue inside your tooth will inflame and press on the nerve endings. You may experience throbbing or shooting pain and some of the following symptoms.
- Swollen gums
- Swollen cheeks
- Pus around the base of the tooth
- The infected tooth may turn black or grey
- Bad breath
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Your tooth may become loose
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, booking an appointment as soon as possible is essential. Although an infection doesn’t usually warrant an emergency appointment, you shouldn't wait for symptoms to worsen before seeking treatment.
More advanced infections may lead to abscesses, gum and jaw problems, and life-threatening diseases like sepsis.
What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?
After taking X-rays to look at the extent of the infection, we’ll give you an anaesthetic to manage the discomfort. Next, we’ll remove the infection from inside your tooth. Once clear of bacteria, we’ll use a latex-like material to plug the inside of your tooth before closing it with a filling.
The whole process is short. After your procedure, your dental pain will be gone. You may experience some sensitivity. However, this will quickly subside on its own.
After your procedure, you can return to your normal routine. Your anaesthetic will take a short time to wear off. During this time, avoid hot drinks and food.
How Can I Prevent Infection?
Prevention is always better than treatment. You can prevent infections by doing everything possible to reduce the risk of tooth decay.
This includes brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, flossing every day, using mouthwash, drinking plenty of water, avoiding too much sugar, and visiting us for checkups and dental hygiene appointments.
Bacteria enter your teeth via cavities, chips, or cracks. It’s essential to seek treatment if you have a damaged tooth and get a filling if you’re experiencing tooth decay.
If you’ve already had a root canal treatment, you can protect your tooth by having a crown placed. Dental crowns are lifelike custom caps for your teeth. We create bespoke crowns that match the colour, texture and shape of your natural teeth.
Root Canal Treatment in Leeds
Root canal treatment is a routine procedure to rid your tooth of infection and any associated symptoms. Using advanced, highly effective techniques, root canal treatments have a high success rate, and our supportive team offers the best standards of care to ensure you feel comfortable throughout.
If you’re experiencing any of the signs of infection, contact us today and book your appointment.