When it comes to dental care, certain symptoms might need more extensive treatment than just a regular dental check-up or cavity filling. A typical treatment of this sort is a root canal, a dental procedure or treatment designed to help patients get rid of the inflamed or infected pulp from inside a tooth. In this procedure, dentists clean and seal the infected area in order to prevent further complications in the future.
It is important to know when you might be needing a root canal treatment. Also, if you have a decent budget, you must inquire about the root canal treatment cost as well. This helps in addressing the dental problem promptly and avoiding potential complexities. The following are the five most common and critical conditions that indicate you may need a root canal treatment.
Persistent Pain
A toothache that sticks around longer or pops up and goes away frequently may be a sign that you have inflammation, infection, or damage inside a tooth. The pulp, the innermost section of your tooth may need to be removed. You might feel this pain in various ways. Sometimes, this is deep inside the bone of your tooth, while the pain can also travel to your jaw, face, or other teeth as well.
In contrast to occasional toothache or discomfort that arises and goes off and typically does not bother frequently, root canal pain, generally, does not go away by itself and is often constant. When you experience this sort of pain, you should book an appointment with a root canal treatment dental clinic in Mississauga immediately for a thorough dental examination. In addition, being familiar with the cost of root canal treatment is also crucial as it varies depending on various factors like the complexity of the treatment, and the dental clinic that you choose.
Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
Extreme sensitivity to temperature (hot and cold) which may not cease even after the irritant is removed is another indicator that you might be in for a root canal. This sensitivity often makes you feel like a sharp, intense pain or a dull, constant ache. It is a potential sign that nerves and blood vessels inside your tooth are damaged or infected.
If you observe that hot coffee or ice cream makes you feel the sensation inside your mouth, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. Continuous palpable sensitivity often means the pulp inside your tooth is weak and you have to take necessary actions to prevent the condition from getting worse. When deciding on the dental procedure or method, you should not only collect the information about the treatment but also ask the dentist about the root canal treatment cost at their dental clinic.
Swollen or Tender Gums
If the swelling or the feeling of tenderness in the gums near a tooth is constant or aggravating, you may be in need of a root canal treatment. Sometimes, patients notice a small bump or pimple on the affected area, known as a gum boil or abscess. This bum or pimple may release pus, which is a sign of a tooth or gum infection.
Such symptoms are indicative of an infection that has spread from the pulps of the tooth to the surrounding gum tissue and should therefore be treated as soon as possible. The root canal treatment may be suggested by your dentist. However, make sure to collect information on the root canal treatment cost and payment plans to avoid any sort of issue during the treatment period.
Tooth Discoloration
Tooth discoloration is a common dental problem that typically occurs due to poor oral care, consumption of acidic or alcoholic drinks, eating junk foods, underlying diseases, and medications. However, sometimes, it can be associated with a tooth or gum infection as well. It may be an indication that the pulp inside a tooth has been damaged or infected and possibly, the gum infection is also present.
Generally, the discoloration can be seen more in the and around front teeth, but it can occur in any tooth. When the pulp, which has blood vessels and nerves in it, gets infected or dies, it affects the blood supply to the tooth, which manifests as discoloration. Consult your dentist if you notice that a tooth is becoming darker compared to others. Early detection of the root cause and timely intervention can save your teeth and prevent worse results.
Chipped or Cracked Tooth
A chipped or cracked tooth is not only linked to cosmetic problems but can also be a big reason for many severe dental issues, especially if it is left untreated. This may make the teeth more vulnerable to bacteria attacks. Bacteria may get to the pulp area traveling from the spaces developed due to chipped or cracked teeth, resulting in damaging or infecting the nerves.
It is important to note that a tooth injury might not always result in a visible crack. However, it might still affect the nerves inside a tooth. Eventually, this may lead to inflammation and an infection that a root canal treatment can address. If a tooth injury happens to you, the first thing that you must do is book an appointment with a dentist to find out the most effective way to fix it. For those residing in Mississauga, you can find a reliable root canal treatment dental clinic in Mississauga to address your needs.
What to Expect During a Root Canal Treatment
If your dentist determines that you need a root canal, understanding the procedure can help alleviate any anxiety you might have. A root canal involves several steps:
Anesthesia: In most cases, the affected tooth and the surrounding gum are numbed to make sure that you do not experience any pain during the procedure.
Isolation: A dental dam is put around the tooth to keep it from any moisture and saliva.
Access: The dentist creates a small opening through the top of the tooth to access the affected area in the pulp chamber.
Cleaning: To begin, the dentist will cut away the middle section of the tooth and use specialized tools to take out the infected or inflamed pulp. Once the pulp is removed, the dentist will cleanse the affected area and give it a suitable shape for the filling.
Filling: The cleaned and shaped canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. The tooth is then sealed to prevent future infection.
Restoration: Lastly, the tooth is fitted with a crown or filling to restore the tooth’s function and looks.
Benefits of a Root Canal
Opting for a root canal rather than an extraction has several advantages:
Efficient Chewing: A root canal allows you to maintain your natural tooth, ensuring you can chew food properly.
Normal Bite: Retaining your tooth helps preserve your normal bite force and sensation.
Natural Appearance: A restored tooth looks and feels natural.
Prevents Excessive Wear: Saving your natural tooth prevents other teeth from shifting or wearing down excessively.
Conclusion
Root canal treatment is a common and effective treatment procedure that can help you safeguard your natural teeth and steer clear of other more serious dental issues.
If you experience any of the above-explained signs, you should visit your dentist immediately for the right advice. Timely intervention may yield better results and with that, you can avoid more extensive treatments and keep your oral health in check.
In addition, with modern dental technologies, root canal treatments are now relatively painless and can be done within a short period, thus enabling you to go back to your daily chores immediately. For residents in Mississauga, finding a reputable root canal treatment dental clinic in Mississauga will ensure that they receive top-quality dental care and root canal treatment. Make sure you don’t neglect to talk to your dentist about the root canal treatment cost so you fully understand the procedure and have an estimate of the expenses.