“Root canal” can be used to refer to the interior tooth passages between the roots and pulp or the dental treatment utilized for alleviating root canal pain and removing the infected or decayed material inside the affected tooth. Root canals contain blood vessels and nerves. Once a permanent tooth surfaces from the gums, its nerve won’t serve a particular purpose anymore aside from sensing cold, heat, and other stimuli.
And when a root canal or any portion of the tooth pulp becomes severely infected or decayed, this will cause various symptoms. Here at Dougherty Dental Solutions, LLC in Wilmington, DE, your dentist, Dr. Laura Dougherty or Dr. Paige King, resolves this problem and save your tooth through root canal therapy. Basically, root canal therapy is a multi-step treatment that entails extracting all the decayed tooth pulp and/or nerves and then sealing the tooth to safeguard it from future harm.
What Causes a Root Canal Infection?
The leading causes of root canal infection include:
- Tooth Decay. If it has penetrated the tooth’s outer layer, pain and gum inflammation will follow.
- Disease: The main risk factors for developing root canal infections include trauma, advanced tooth decay, too-large dental fillings, and recent dental treatments.
- Damage: Significant chips or fractures in a tooth could result in decay when left untreated and, in turn, a root canal infection.
How Do I Know If I Need Root Canal Therapy?
Keep in mind that tooth pain doesn’t always mean that you need root canal therapy, as this could be caused by other dental problems. However, warnings signs of root canal infection that usually indicate the need for root canal therapy can include the following:
- Severe pain when putting pressure on the affected tooth and when eating
- Darkening of the infected tooth.
- Tooth sensitivity and pain when consuming cold or hot drinks or foods that persist after you’ve removed the stimuli
- A tiny bump that looks like a pimple on the gum near the infected tooth
- Swollen and tender gums adjacent to the affected tooth
If you experience these warning signs, consult your dentist in Wilmington, DE, as soon as you can. Getting prompt treatment for your tooth will do away with the need for more extensive treatments or worse, getting the infected tooth extracted.
To Determine Whether You Need a Root Canal, Call Us
Arrange a consultation with your dentist in Wilmington, DE, Dr. Laura Dougherty or Dr. Paige King here at Dougherty Dental Solutions, LLC by dialing (302) 475-3270.