With a little preparation, you can make sure that you get much more from your next trip to the dentist. Your local dentist doesn't just check on the health of your teeth, they can also offer many other treatments. This website is designed to bring up the best info possible about the range of treatments a dental professional can offer you. We will be looking at dentures, tartar removal, tooth replacement and much more. While no one who contributes to this site is a trained dentist, everyone is extremely interested in researching and writing about this topic. Thank you for checking out this site.
For many years, root canals have been thought of as a painful, lengthy procedure that costs much more than other dental techniques. While root canals are generally more complicated, modern technologies have made this oral procedure more convenient. A big reason why is that patients can identify root canal complications early. For example, having tender/swollen gums is a potential sign of a root canal infection.
By paying attention to warning signs, your tooth can be saved before it becomes extensively infected or decayed. Here are 3 early warning signs that indicate you'll need root canal treatment.
1. Sharp pains inside your tooth
Do you experience sharp pain when chewing on hot/cold foods? The pulp layer inside your enamel is attached to millions of nerve endings that send signals to your brain. This information consists of temperature, taste, texture, and much more. But when your pulp becomes infected, the infection may spread to your nerve endings and cause damage. This is what leads to heightened sensitivity when chewing, biting, or grinding on food items.
A dentist can help you diagnose pulp infections early before they spread to neighbouring teeth. During treatment, the pulp layer can be extracted and replaced with another material that doesn't cause infection.
2. Swelling of the gums
If your pulp layer is infected, you may also end up feeling tender around the gums. More specifically, you may feel a general sensation of inflamed gums near the base of your tooth. These areas may also generate sharp pains when consuming various types of food.
Swelling of the gums may indicate an advanced stage of root canal infections. Furthermore, swollen gums affect the stability of your teeth and may expose you to other types of infections (such as gingivitis). This is why catching swelling early can help you get the treatment you need before your dental health further deteriorates.
3. An aching jaw
Your tooth and jaw structure are highly interconnected. If the pulp tissue has become infected, rotten, or dead, the pain may spread to your jawbone and result in discomfort. This is what manifests as an aching jaw, and it may happen near the front or back of your mouth. Because aching jaws are also associated with orthodontic conditions, such as overbite/underbite, you should pay attention to other root canal symptoms that may accompany jaw pain. Patients may experience swollen gums along with jaw irritation, further showing that the pulp layer requires examination and possible treatment.
If you have been suffering from any of these symptoms, contact a dentist for help.
Share10 July 2020
