Root Canal: Everything You Need To Know

Have you been feeling a searing pain in your jaw lately? Chances are you may have a damaged root canal that requires immediate professional attention. Root canal damage typically stems from neglect - in terms of not following good oral hygiene and not making biannual visits to the dentist. So, the searing pain in your jaw is a wake-up call to take good care of your oral health. Here’s all you need to know about root canal infection and its treatment:

Root Canal and its symptoms

A root canal is a dental procedure that involves the removal of damaged soft tissues, otherwise known as the pulp, from the center of the tooth. The pulp is made up of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that help with tooth growth. Symptoms of root canal infection include:

• Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold 
• Persistent pain
• Swollen gums
• Pain when eating or when you touch the tooth
• Looser teeth

What does the procedure involve?

After the dentist conducts a thorough examination to determine the damage, they will get started on the treatment, which involves four key steps:

• Anesthetic

You will be given an anesthetic to your gums near the affected area to protect you from any pain during the procedure.

• Removal of the pulp

Once your gums are numb, the endodontist will drill a hole in your tooth. Through the entry point, they will expose the damaged region before removing the pulp.

• Filling the root canal

The next step involves cleaning, shaping, and decontaminating the affected area with the help of irrigation solutions. The dentist will then fill the tooth with an adhesive to seal the canal completely.

• Adding a crown or filling

The final step would involve putting a crown or a filling in the area where the affected tooth is. The dentist may ask you not to chew or bite on the tooth.

How to prevent root canal damage

Post-treatment, make sure you follow the following tips so that you do not have to endure a root canal procedure again.

• Brush your teeth twice a day
• Use the right toothbrush and replace them periodically
• Use toothpaste with fluoride
• Don’t forget to floss
• Visit a dentist regularly for checkups

Besides these, being aware of your sweet intake, having a balanced diet, and drinking plenty of water can positively affect your oral health and overall well-being.