Root Canal Treatment

How do I know if my root canal is infected?

A patient suffering from an infected root canal will likely experience severe pain and notice signs such as swelling, redness, and bad taste in the mouth.

• Severe and intense toothaches that won’t go away
• Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks
• Swollen and tender lymph nodes
• Recurring abscesses on the gums

How do I know if I need a root canal?

The center of every tooth contains a bundle of nerves and blood vessels that are crucial for providing nutrients and sensation to the tooth. As long as the tooth is healthy, you won’t be aware of these systems at work. However, if you experience pain in your tooth, it can be quite distressing, and it’s meant to warn you that something is not right. Tooth pain is an indication that the bundle of nerves and vessels inside your tooth is irritated, damaged, or under attack.

A deep cavity can cause bacteria to enter the inner nerve bundle, while a crack that extends into the same region can create stress that requires additional care to relieve. In some cases, a severe infection may develop in your jaw without showing any symptoms. If your dentist determines that the nerve won’t recover or that an infection is present, root canal treatment may be recommended.

What are alternatives to root canal treatment?

Many people who need a root canal wonder if there are other options available. However, since root canal treatment is usually the last resort to restore your tooth, the only choices left are to have your tooth pulled out or wait until you experience pain and have it removed later. But both of these options can lead to the infection spreading further into your face or other teeth, which can cause more problems. Therefore, getting a root canal is the best solution.

If you decide to have your tooth extracted, you’ll still need to replace it to avoid causing alignment problems with the surrounding teeth. Two common replacement options are a dental bridge or an implant.