If you have been feeling severe pain in a tooth, you may ask yourself if you must go for our root canal treatment in West Edmonton. But what are root canals, and what symptoms indicate that you need one?
Root canals, also called endodontic therapy, are performed when the nerve or pulp of the tooth is infected and inflamed due to dental deterioration. It can also be the consequence of a cracked or broken tooth or an impact injury to the tooth. During the procedure, our dentist in Edmonton will use a drill to extract the nerve and pulp and seal off the tooth, thus protecting it against more damage.
Only a dental specialist, an endodontist, can determine whether a root canal can treat your problem. You must visit our dental clinic near you if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
Pain: Most endodontists will agree that tooth pain is the first thing to tell you about regarding the necessity of root canal therapy. The pain’s intensity will vary from mild to severe at different times of the day, and it may get even worse when you bite down using the tooth in question. Some people experience long-lasting sensitivity when eating hot or cold foods and beverages. Your gums may be affected and present tenderness and swelling near the problem area.
Another symptom that might signify that you need to get a root canal in Edmonton is the dark discolouration of the tooth. A discoloured tooth is normally the result of poor oral hygiene, exposure to drinks and foods that stain tooth enamel, or nerve damage underneath the outer shell. Since the nerves of the tooth are in the pulp, when damage to them occurs, you might notice this symptom appear. It would help to head to our dental clinic near you for proper treatment.
Additionally, if a cavity has not been treated for too long, it will spread down to the tooth’s root and, in the process, the pulp. In that scenario, a root canal is likely the only option to fix the problem before the patient is fitted with a crown to seal off the treated area.
If you feel any of these symptoms, head to our dental clinic near you and get an X-ray to pinpoint the cause of pain or infection.
Given the above, regular oral hygiene and dental visits are paramount. When your gums and teeth are left unchecked, disease and infection could likely spread, and what might have been a quick fix can become a much more serious matter.
A tooth abscess could result from leaving damaged or dead pulp untreated for too long. And, most probably, if the problem develops an abscess, the chances of a successful endodontic treatment drastically decrease. Our dentist in West Edmonton might suggest tooth extraction followed by replacement with bridgework, partial dentures or a dental implant with crowns.
For mild damage, antibiotics might be prescribed to treat root canal infections. However, your options tend to be more invasive in more complicated cases. For example, a root canal is cheaper and less time-consuming than an implant. Successful root canal therapy will virtually extend the life of your severed tooth in terms of functionality.
After tooth restoration using a crown, you should avoid chewing on it for a few weeks. It does not need any special care if you practice great oral hygiene.