Root Canal Symptoms – 7 Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
“Root canal” is a term that few people want to hear. The idea of drilling into a tooth or a gum is enough to cause a bit of unease. However, your dental health is important, and an experienced Root Canal specialist in Buffalo NY will be able to help you with any issues you might experience involving the safety, the alignment, and the overall well-being of your teeth and gums. Keep an eye out for the following root canal symptoms to find out if you may be a candidate for a root canal and prevent complications that may arise if you wait to get it treated.
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1. You Have an Abscess, or Swelling, in a Tooth.
When you experience swelling in a tooth, an abscess may be the culprit. Abscesses result when bacteria infect the pulp of a tooth or the gum immediately below, resulting in inflammation and a small liquid-filled nodule. This is one of the most common root canal symptoms as it causes a lot of pain. The pain and swelling can spread beyond the tooth if left untreated, and a root canal can directly attack the source of infection and put a stop to your pain.
2. One of Your Teeth is Avulsed, or Detached.
When dental avulsion occurs, a tooth is suddenly separated from the pulp, and immediate attention is needed. If the avulsed tooth is handled carefully, the tooth can probably be replaced into the socket, and restored with a subsequent root canal. Avulsion is an urgent matter; if more than half an hour passes before the surgery, the likelihood that tooth can be restored declines sharply. We often see dental avulsion with athletes who got their tooth knocked out in a contact sport.
3. A Simple Crack or Chip Can Lead to a Deeper Infection.
Clenching and grinding teeth can cause fractures, which are the worst issues we currently treat. If only the surface is chipped or cracked, a filling or reattachment usually restores the tooth. However, as cracks widen, bacteria can get into your tooth and can cause infection. If the pulp is exposed, an experienced Buffalo endodontist can perform a root canal to save the tooth.
4. The Dental Pulp Inside Your Teeth Is Damaged.
Dental pulp, which provides blood to the tooth, can be injured in various ways, especially by blunt trauma. When this happens, a cavity can form, allowing bacteria to enter your tooth and cause inflammation. Consult your dentist or an experienced Buffalo endodontist if you start experiencing sensitivity or throbbing pain in your teeth.
5. A Tooth Is Dislodged or Knocked out Due to Trauma.
Having a tooth knocked out by a baseball, a softball, or a hockey puck is a real dental emergency. It is crucial that the tooth be placed back into its socket as quickly as possible. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it off and place it gently back into the socket. If you are uncomfortable attempting to replace the tooth, put it in a glass of milk and call your dentist or endodontist as soon as possible. Ideally, the tooth that suffered trauma should be replaced in the socket within an hour of being dislodged.
6. Your Teeth Become Extruded, or Pushed out of Position.
If the tooth is pushed out of position, patients over the age of 12 usually require a root canal to mend the root. Sometimes calcium hydroxide or other prescription medication is used as well. Younger patients may be able to heal on their own once the tooth is stabilized, but we always recommend consulting with an endodontist to determine the extent of the damage and formulate a treatment plan that can save your original tooth.
7. The Root of a Tooth is Fractured Horizontally.
A traumatic injury may result in a horizontal fracture of the root. The long-term health of the tooth is determined by the location of the fracture. A fracture that is closer to the root tip has a better chance for success. Sometimes a splint is used to stabilize the tooth for a period, as needed.
If you feel pain in a tooth or endure some sort of traumatic injury to your mouth or jaw, schedule an appointment as soon as possible with our Endodontist in Buffalo NY.
A simple chip in a tooth or a slight swelling of the gum may seem like a minor issue that can go away on its own, but these could be signs of a significant infection. An examination from an experienced endodontist can determine whether you need further dental work in order for you to maintain and improve your health.
Precision Endodontics, PC has two convenient locations throughout Western New York. Located in West Seneca and Williamsville, we offer pain-free root canal treatment in a comfortable and relaxed environment. If you or someone you love is in need of a root canal, contact us today to arrange a consultation and let our experience work for you.
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