A root canal infection is a debilitating oral condition that happens when bacteria invade the inner chamber of the teeth due to untreated dental decay or trauma. Patients with a root canal infection should seek treatment immediately because the infection can spread quickly once the bacteria attack the soft pulp material of the interior layer of the tooth. Root canal therapy is an effective treatment done to clean out the infected pulp and restore the tooth.
To ensure you visit the dentist in time for dental attention and treatment, you need to be familiar with the signs of root canal infection. This article focuses on the warning signs of the condition.
Pain is the main sign that pushes people to seek dental care when faced with root canal infection. A root canal infection brings severe pain in its wake. The pain intensifies when you bite down or place pressure on the affected tooth. Additionally, you may experience tooth sensitivity when you eat hot or cold food and drinks.
The pain can also originate from inflammation of the gums. The swelling causes the gum to turn red and tender. In most situations, the swelling and discomfort occur in the area around the affected tooth.
When the inner layer of the tooth is infected, the tooth may appear brown or yellow. When the infection reaches the pulp tissues, they change to dark brown, and that alters the tooth color. During the root canal procedure, the dying or necrotic pulp material will be extracted and the space filled up with gutta-percha. The tooth will also get a dental crown to improve its appearance.
A dental abscess occurs when the bacteria and dying pulp material create deep pockets full of pus around the tooth root. This causes severe unease and bad breathe and is visible via an enlarged or persistent red bump or pimple on the gum. A foul-smelling liquid may also start to seep out of the abscess.
A periodontist will drain the painful abscess during the root canal procedure and clean out the bacteria to alleviate the pain.
Patients suffering from root canal infection usually have chronic bad breath. If the bad breath is persistent despite brushing, flossing and using dental washes, then an infection is probably present.
The bacteria responsible for a root canal infection gives off an odor. This causes bad breath and a bitter taste in the mouth. The development of an abscess can further worsen the situation.
Typically, our body is highly efficient with combating infections. However, it is impossible for the body to deploy antibodies to the tooth. Once the root canal is infected, chances are that the nerves inside the tooth will die. If the dead nerve is not treated in time, it will accommodate the bacteria that cause infection. In some situations, the dentist may have to remove the dead tooth or conduct a root canal treatment to eliminate the dead pulp and treat the infection.
If you experience any of the signs explained above, you may be suffering from an urgent dental issue that needs immediate treatment to prevent further complications or tooth loss. Contact your dental office to book an appointment with the dentist.
Request an appointment here: https://santarosaendodontics.com or call Santa Rosa Endodontics at (707) 706-2143 for an appointment in our Santa Rosa office.
Breaking a tooth can be a frightening time for anyone, and not knowing whether to seek emergency dental care for the broken tooth or wait for the regular office to open can add to the stress. The good news is that broken teeth are often resilient and can usually be restored to their normal function,…
Sedation dentistry helps patients stay calm, allowing periodontists to efficiently perform their work while ensuring their patient's comfort and safety. Many people suffer from severe dental anxiety. This fear can stop them from receiving the treatment they need and make their oral health suffer long-term, requiring more extensive treatment. Fortunately, there have been advancements in…
Regardless of the severity, a cracked tooth requires immediate professional treatment. While minor cracks may only need treatment options like dental bonding, tooth extraction is necessary for severely damaged teeth. However, an endodontist can consider various options that other professionals may not offer. An endodontist usually treats cracked teeth that are too damaged for minor…
When you have an infected or severely damaged tooth, a tooth extraction may seem the only option. However, endodontic therapy offers an alternative. It allows you to save your natural tooth and preserve your smile, avoiding the need for future tooth replacement. This procedure, commonly known as a root canal, is designed to remove infection,…
Sedation dentistry helps patients stay calm, allowing periodontists to efficiently perform their work while ensuring…
If the patient cannot find the pieces of the tooth or if they have been…
An endodontist is a dental specialist who treats problems inside the tooth with the dental…
When you have an infected or severely damaged tooth, a tooth extraction may seem the…
If pain or throbbing persists, keep the head elevated to decrease blood pressure at the…
Infections that move into the bloodstream and spread throughout the body can be dangerous, so…