Root canal therapy is a common dental treatment that many people undergo in the United States. The procedure involves removing the pulp from a tooth or the soft tissue inside the tooth, and then filling in or repairing that space using a special kind of filling material. In most cases, this is necessary as there are several bacteria and toxins found in your body’s saliva, which have entered your mouth through open wounds on your gums.
The process often requires general anesthesia so that you can be fully relaxed during surgery. It’s important to remember though that even if you recover well from this treatment, there is always a risk of complications arising with additional pain or even infection at some point later on down the line. Moreover, it is essential to consult an expert dentist with considerable experience in dental practice in Wichita Falls to ensure your safety.
For now, we will look into some common signs and symptoms of getting root canal therapy done.
- An abscess on the gums
If you have a tooth that is causing you significant pain, it is highly likely that a root canal procedure will be required. The condition and location of the infection will determine the best treatment approach. In most cases, the abscess formation could be seen on the gums below or around the tooth or on your cheek or tongue. You can get an X-ray done to determine the cause of pain in your mouth and to help assess if a root canal procedure is needed.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
One of the common signs that you may need a root canal treatment is sensitivity to hot and cold. If a tooth has been damaged, there is an increased risk of bacteria entering the nerve tissue causing inflammation. This can lead to sensitivity to heat and cold depending on which area of the tooth is affected.
- Severe toothache
Severe toothache is another indication that you may need to get a root canal treatment done. Common symptoms include throbbing pain in the tooth and even tooth mobility in some cases. This usually occurs if there is an infection in the pulp, and it becomes necessary to remove this area of tissue.
- Unusual swelling and redness
In certain cases, there can be swelling and redness around your mouth as well as one particular tooth that is causing you pain. This is usually caused due to infection occurring within your gums, in some cases by cavities or decay.