It’s lunchtime and you’re getting ready to eat your sandwich. As you bite down, a deep pain radiates in your jaw. You feel pressure in your mouth as you chew and when you turn to sip on your cool or hot drink the temperature difference shocks your teeth into even more pain. If the feeling lingers for a long time and you can sense some swelling, the pain is extreme and you need help right away, it could very well be because you need a root canal.

Symptoms

Root canal procedures are necessary when there’s infected pulp within a tooth. This infection causes bumps on gums near the affected areas, pressure, pain, and sensitivity, swelling and darkening of the tooth. The passages of the tooth connect the tooth to the pulp and the roots. These areas contain many nerves and blood vessels, which allow us to feel heat, cold and pain. This is why when those passages are affected; we feel the symptoms so deeply.

The Root Canal Procedure

Root canals are routinely recommended when there are signs of serious decay and infection of the tooth pulp and when the symptoms are pressing. A root canal procedure seeks to remedy these symptoms by replacing the infected pulp with an inert material. First, the areas in pain are assessed. Then, the decayed pulp is cleaned out and the teeth are drained of infected material before it is sealed. Sometimes if the decay goes into the nerve endings, the nerve has to be removed – but don’t worry, you will be given a local anaesthetic prior to the procedure. Finally, a crown or a composite filling will be installed to help guard your tooth from future damage.

Root Canal Aftercare

Sensitivity and pain are normal after having a root canal. You can take an over-the-counter pain killer to help with any pain and inflammation you may be experiencing. In addition to this, the best thing to do after this type of procedure is to prevent further infection by being serious about oral care during this time period. Using soft brushes to clean the affected areas will help to keep food deposits out, help to maintain the crown or filling and encourage healing. If you’re experiencing any of the above signs or symptoms, don’t wait as the pain is only going to get worse.

Come see us at Fairway Dental Urgent Care Clinic as soon as possible, and let us take care of the situation!