When your tooth gives you a throbbing pain, this should be an indication that something isn’t going right down there. Inside the center of the tooth is where the pulp is found, which is consists of blood vessels and nerves. The space where the pulp is located is called the root canal. Usually, a tooth can have one or more canals. If the bacteria get inside your damaged tooth, the pulp becomes infected. To remove the infection, you need to undergo root canal treatment.
Root Canal Treatment: The Infected Pulp and other Symptoms
Due to tooth decay, the pulp gets infected. Indications of pulp infection include pain when eating and drinking hot or cold foods, when biting and chewing and a loose tooth. Though these signs often go as the pulp dies, the infection is actually progressing gradually. You may think that your tooth is healing, but the truth is the infection is already spreading throughout the system of the root canal. These will now give room to new symptoms such as:
- Gum swelling around the affected tooth
- Presence of pus coming out the affected tooth
- Swelling of the face
- Darker coloured tooth
At the first sign of a toothache, it’s important to visit your dentist for a comprehensive examination of your condition.
How to Determine if you need a Root Canal Treatment?
Your dentist will perform certain steps to find out if root canal treatment is the most appropriate procedure for you.
- To check if your tooth is sensitive, the dentist will put hot or cold materials against it. Tissues around the tooth will be examined while tapping on the tooth gently to check for symptoms.
- X-rays of the tooth and its surrounding bone are given as it can reveal a widening of the ligament holding the tooth securely or a dark spot seen at the root tip. If one of these is seen in the result, your dentist will most likely recommend the root canal treatment.
- To get more information about your tooth, your dentist may also use the electric pulp tester. The device transports a small electric current through the affected tooth to help your dentist resolve if the pulp is alive or not. You will only experience a tingling sensation while the device is on your tooth and stops once removed. Electric pulp tester is not applicable for people who have electronic life-support equipment such as a cardiac pacemaker.
Depending on the situation, root canal treatment is usually completed in one or more appointments. After your root canal treatment, you are suggested to have a dental crown or filling to protect your teeth from further damage and infection.
Quality Root Canal Treatment in Adelaide
Root canal treatment is an invasive procedure that must be performed by a proficient dentist or endodontist. Fortunately, this treatment receives a high success rate in today’s modern dentistry and is one of the best methods to save your tooth from dental extraction. Your reliable Adelaide dentist here at Beverley Dental provides high-quality root canal therapy to ensure safety and comfort always. We also have wide-ranging oral care treatments that help uphold and restore the strength and health of your teeth and gums, for a remarkable and exceptional total oral wellness.
Request your appointment online or contact us on (08) 8348 0011.
