A root canal, also known as endodontic therapy, is a sensitive surgery performed by a root canal specialist on a routine basis. It is required when the pulp inside the tooth becomes seriously inflamed or infected due to severe tooth decay, repeated extensive dental treatments, inadequate crown placement, or a crack or chip in the tooth. Even if there are no visible chips or cracks, trauma to the tooth can cause a pulpal injury.
If you are looking for an effective solution to save your natural tooth and relieve tooth pain, you must read this blog that describes the symptoms and when to go in for the best root canal treatment in Gurgaon. Well-known root canal experts at AK Global Dent Clinic share the blog insights.
When is Root Canal Treatment Performed?
Root canal therapy aims to clean out the infected root canal, prevent reinfection, and preserve the health of a natural tooth. The procedure involves removing the inflammatory or infected pulp, carefully cleaning and disinfecting the empty root canal, and finally, filling and sealing the canal with gutta-percha. The root canal-treated tooth may then be further protected with a dental crown to allow it to function normally.
If pulp inflammation or infection is not treated on time, it might cause pain or an abscess, leading to the tooth falling out. A root canal procedure performed by the dentist in Gurgaon at AK Global Dent can help save a severely decayed or damaged natural tooth, relieve the patient's discomfort, and restore the patient's good oral health.
When Should you go to a Root Canal Specialist?
Severe tooth pain is a common symptom for which root canal treatment is required, and so is an indication to see a root canal specialist. When a patient needs a root canal, they must schedule an appointment with a root canal specialist, trained dental specialists highly trained in repairing tissues inside the tooth.
The list below covers common symptoms that alert patients to the fact that it could be time to visit a dentist for root canal treatment and when is root canal necessary:
1. Severe and/or persistent tooth pain
When anyone has significant or continuous tooth pain, it is usually a sign that they require immediate dental care. This pain is generally caused by an abscessed tooth, which can lead to infection in the surrounding bones and tissues. Dentists at AK Global Dent, a top 10 dental clinic in Gurgaon, frequently treat severe tooth pain to preserve the patient's tooth, as a healthy mouth has a complete set of teeth.
2. Swelling and tenderness
When a dental patient develops swelling and soreness, it is usually a symptom of an infection. This swelling and discomfort usually happens around the tooth, although it can also appear on the patient's face, neck, or head. Patients with persistent swelling or soreness should see a root canal specialist immediately, as an infection could damage the tooth's pulp.
3. Visible damage to the tooth
Tooth discolouration, fractures, and cracks are all examples of visible dental damage. All of these symptoms indicate that a tooth has been injured. When a tooth is injured, it necessitates professional dental care. Dental patients should check their mouths at home once a month to search for symptoms that they need professional dental care. An injured tooth can be saved from falling out with the help of a root canal therapy.
4. Tooth sensitivity when consuming hot or cold foods and beverages
Even though many dental patients occasionally suffer tooth sensitivity, if it persists for more than two weeks, it is necessary to schedule an appointment with a dental specialist. If an individual develops sensitivity to hot or cold foods, the pulp inside the tooth is likely irritated, resulting in this transient discomfort. Prolonged sensitivity is usually a sign of something more serious.
5. Sores on the gums
Many people get canker sores on their gums after eating acidic foods or drinking hot liquids. These are rather frequent and will resolve on their own. However, bacteria associated with an infection can cause gum sores. These resemble more like pimples beneath the surface of the gum line.
These sores, which seem quite similar to pimples on the face, are white lumps that carry bacteria. Patients will notice them recurring in the same place if they result from an infected tooth. Patients may also have pain in the area where the sores appear. If left untreated, these sores can grow in size. One may also experience a bad taste due to the bacteria entering their mouth. In such a case, the patient is advised to see a root canal specialist to treat the infection.
6. A chipped tooth
If a patient had an oral injury that left them with a chipped tooth, they may be more susceptible to infection. Bacteria have easy access to the softer tissue deep within the tooth.
A chipped tooth can be caused by something major, like a sports accident, or something minor, like biting down on hard foods. Even a small chip increases the tooth's susceptibility to infection. This is why it's critical to have a chipped tooth fixed immediately by a dentist. If corrected, a patient will avoid infection. Don't overlook a tiny chip just because it's not painful. The tooth's nerve is now more vulnerable and may become infected over time. A root canal specialist can best look into and address such a dental situation.
7. Prolonged tooth decay
Unfortunately, once a patient has a cavity (even if it is extremely small), it's difficult to get rid of it without dental treatment. Even thorough brushing and flossing will not fix the condition. A dentist must remove it. If left untreated, a cavity will spread into the root and infect the tooth's nerve. Patients have only two options if this happens: root canal tooth therapy and crown placement.
To avoid such a situation, it is critical to schedule frequent dental checkups and professional cleanings. Taking small steps to maintain good oral health as soon as possible will help prevent bigger dental issues.
Can an Infected Tooth Heal Without a Root Canal?
An infected tooth may heal with antibiotics and proper care, but not always without a root canal. To prevent reinfection, it is important to save the tooth with the root canal procedure.
Is it Better to Pull the Infected Tooth or Root Canal?
Choosing between pulling or removing an infected tooth or a root canal depends on factors like tooth condition, long term prognosis, risk of re-infection among others as well the cost of the procedure and patient preference. But if the tooth is severely decayed, it is removed, and dental implants can be placed to replace the missing tooth. If the infected tooth can be saved, then an RCT is performed.
Root canals are simple procedures that protect natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants or bridges. At AK Global Dent, our experienced dentists in Gurgaon perform this treatment and provide pain-free root canal treatment in a comfortable and relaxed setting.