Our teeth consist of two parts: the root and the crown. The root includes the canals, blood vessels and nerves. The blood vessel and nerves run through the canals, providing our teeth with nutrients and its sense of feeling. The crown is the portion of our teeth above the gum line. It consists of dentin, pulp, and enamel. The dentin is the inner layer of the crown, while the pulp the middle layer and the enamel is the outermost layer. The blood vessels and nerves running through the canal need to be kept safe and protected at all times to ensure the health and well-being of our teeth. When they are compromised and left untreated, you will be at risk of losing your tooth and experiencing other health complications. It is important to seek the help of a dental professional when you suspect you have an infection or an injury that can lead to an infection. Oftentimes, they will be treated with a root canal treatment. In our latest blog, we go over the signs you need a root canal treatment and other helpful information pertaining to a root canal. Read along to learn more.
Signs & Symptoms
There are a few common tall tale signs that you may need to undergo a root canal procedure. Among those signs are the following listed below:
- Teeth sensitivity
- Gum or facial swelling
- Tooth discoloration
- Pain when eating or drinking
- Redness or irritation around the gumline
- Tenderness around the gumline
- Unpleasant odor
While these are a great way to measure the need for the help of a professional, there are other things to look out for to prevent these symptoms from occurring. Often, these symptoms occur when an individual lacks good oral hygiene practices or have had dental trauma. Dental trauma includes chips and cracks. Bad oral hygiene or damage to your teeth can cause terrible infections but seeing your dentist as soon as you suspect an infection could spare your from undergoing a root canal treatment. On the other hand, if the infection goes on for too long, your dentist will need to perform a root canal to save your tooth.
Root Canal Procedure & Treatment
A root canal treatment is a relatively simple and easy procedure. An experienced dental professional will be able to see you and treat you in as little as 30 minutes. Prior to the treatment, patients are given an anesthetic to help numb the area and prevent pain. After the anesthetic is administered, the dentist will then begin the procedure. The procedure is a streamlined process involving the removal of the infection, cleaning the site of the infection, and sealing the root canal to prevent future infections.
Root Canal Aftercare
Root canal aftercare is pretty easy and the pain that follows is minimal so long as you follow your dentists after care guideline. After your procedure you will be advised to go on a soft food diet to help prevent any irritation and to allow your tooth to heal. Additionally, you will be asked to chew on the opposite side of where the procedure was done and to be extra mindful when brushing on that side of your mouth. You will also be prescribed or asked to take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like Ibuprofen. This will help keep the swelling down and address or prevent any pain after the anesthetic wears off. On average, recovery time is no more than seven days.
Root Canal Treatment in San Diego, CA
Dealing with dental issues, no matter how big or small can be very stressful. It’s hard not knowing what exactly is wrong when you know something is in fact an issue. If you suspect you are dealing with an infection or that you may need a root canal, be sure to reach out to California Dental Care. At California Dental Care, we are committed to providing the best care and services so you can have your best and healthiest smile yet. Give us a call at (707) 553-8008 or click here to schedule an appointment today.
