How do you know when you need a root canal procedure done on your tooth? A toothache is usually the most common sign that a root canal may be needed. Intense pain occurs when the soft tissue inside the tooth, called pulp, becomes inflamed due to infection. If left untreated, the infection may abscess into the surrounding bone, which creates a more serious health problem.
Tooth pain can occur for a variety of reasons besides the infected pulp. Gum disease, trauma to the tooth, or wear and strain caused by tooth grinding are all common causes of tooth pain. There are also health conditions unrelated to the teeth or gums that may cause pain in the mouth that resembles tooth pain. Your dentist will conduct a thorough examination to ensure that the real cause of pain is identified.
Treating Pain before Seeking Professional Help
It may not always be possible to immediately see the dentist when pain begins. Many people with severe tooth pain cannot function normally, and may be unable to sleep, concentrate on work, or eat properly. There are several ways a person can address pain so they can live somewhat normally prior to their visit. Over-the-counter medications can help. A person may also swish with warm salt water and apply either an antiseptic benzocaine spray or clove oil to the affected tooth. These are only short-term solutions; those who experience toothache will still need to visit their dentist as soon as they can.
Common Blunders When Dealing with Toothache
Some people just ignore an aching tooth, which shouldn’t be done. As soon as pain is noticeable, it is important to contact the dentist. Even if a root canal is not the answer, any tooth pain signals a serious problem that is only likely to get worse. A person should also never attempt to pull their own tooth. Any procedure beyond simply pain management should be left to a professional.
When to Consider Root Canal
If infected pulp and tooth decay is the problem, then a root canal is the only way to save the tooth. The infected pulp is removed without damaging the hard shell of the tooth. After the procedure, the tooth will continue to live and function normally because the removed pulp is not needed for tooth survival. This makes root canals a much more desirable alternative to completely pulling out the tooth.
Sources:
Root Canals, aae.org
What causes a toothache?, deltadentalins.com
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