Root canal treatment can remove the pain you are experiencing from an infected or injured tooth. This is one way to keep your tooth strong so it can remain in your mouth. Eliminating the infection also has positive effects on your overall health. Root canals are a much more common dental procedure than you may think. There is no reason to be afraid as your dental professional will be equipped with all the tools and knowledge to ensure a successful process.
What is a Root Canal?
Is your tooth infected or does it have damaged pulp? During a root canal the inside portion of your tooth is removed, the tooth is cleaned, and then sealed up so you can eat, chew, and speak normally, without suffering from pain. The process involves treating the inner workings of your tooth where the nerves, blood vessels, and tissues are.
Warning Signs – Time for a Root Canal
It is important to recognize signs of infection or damage to your tooth. Knowing when it is time to go to the dentist can save you from further dental trauma. Here are some indications you may need a root canal.
- Continuous Toothache – The most common warning sign of needing a root canal is a persistent, throbbing toothache. The inner parts of your tooth are screaming at you for help so you should listen to them.
- Extreme Sensations – Drinking a hot or cold beverage should be normal, but if you are extremely sensitive to the temperature it is likely a sign that your nerves are under stress.
- Swollen and Bleeding Gums – Swelling and bleeding are signs of infection and should not happen when you are brushing or flossing your teeth. If you are spitting out blood and have puffy, tender gums then it is time to get to the dentist.
- Tender or Swollen Jaw – Infection can spread so discomfort and pain or a puffing up of your jaw can be a sign of a tooth infection that has migrated elsewhere.
- Bump on Your Gums – Do you have a pimple-like formation of your gums? This is your body’s way of trying to contain an infection. It is crucial to get to the dentist soon so this abscess can be dealt with.
- Gum Boils – Boil, boil, toil, and trouble. You don’t want this when it comes to your mouth. When pockets of pus, also known as gum boils form in your mouth, there is clearly a dental issue that needs attention.
- Colour Change – A dark, grayish, or yellow tooth can be a sign of a compromised tooth. Something bad is happening beneath the surface and needs dental attention. Loss of blood flow due to infection or damage may be a reason for the colour change.
- Stinky Breath – Do you smell that? A foul smell coming from your mouth is a telltale sign of something wrong. Regardless of how many times you brush your teeth and rinse your mouth, the smell persists. Bacteria loves living in the warm, moist environment of your mouth and can create a stench. Root canal treatment may be necessary to bring back fresh breath.
- Yucky Taste – A bad taste in your mouth may be due to a tooth that has gone awry. A metallic taste or the taste of pus are signs of infection. This comes from the release of bacteria.
- Sleepiness – Feeling unusually tired for no reason could be a sign of a tooth problem so getting to a dentist is important.
- Visible Damage – Do you see chips, cracks, or holes in your tooth? This is a more obvious sign of bacterial destruction. Your dentist will know what to do.
Your dentist will determine if a root canal is the way to go, and if not, there are alternatives they will discuss with you. No matter what, if you notice something is wrong in your oral cavity, a dental visit is needed. Protecting your teeth is just as important as the rest of your body. A healthy mouth will keep you looking and feeling great.
What is a Root Canal Cost in Alberta?
Needing a root canal can vary in price depending on the severity of the problem and the location of the tooth. The cost will depend on several factors including:
- Which tooth needs treatment
- The complexity of the procedure
- Whether sedation is needed or not
A Dentist Can Save Your Tooth
Visiting the dentist can keep your tooth intact. It is important to visit your dentist before it is too late, and a more complicated procedure is required. At Savanna Market Dental, we ensure every part of your mouth is healthy. We are more than happy to answer any questions you have about root canal treatment or other dental services.
