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Common Symptoms of a Root Canal Infection

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Common Symptoms of a Root Canal Infection

Introduction:

We have compiled this article on “Common Symptoms of a Root Canal Infection”. The reference links are at the bottom of the article.

^{^[1]}Infections of the root canal space and their sequelae can be extremely painful and potentially dangerous, yet they do not necessarily have to be. Chronic, asymptomatic inflammatory lesions around the apex of a tooth with a necrotic dental pulp or an insufficient root canal treatment can develop unnoticed by the patient, and remain so for years. The course of disease is modulated by both the virulence of the microbiota established in the root canal space and the capacity of the immune system to curb the infection. To both ends, highly convincing investigations to help us understand when and why the tissues around an endodontically involved tooth become acutely inflamed are missing. We will discuss how recent advances in molecular identification of microorganisms have altered our understanding of root canal infections, and which information is currently missing to link clinical experience with observations from experimental research.

^{^[2]}Root canal infection is a microbial infection of the tooth that is the most common cause for tooth pain. Knowledge of root canal pathogens and the inflammatory responses they elicit is a prerequisite to our understanding of the pathogenesis of root canal infections. Root canal infections are mostly accompanied by some clinical signs and symptoms such as pain, periapical lesion, tenderness to percussion, swelling, and sinus tract. These symptoms may be the consequence of the presence of bacterial irritants causing an inflammatory response of the periapical tissues. While many different bacterial species are able to colonize the dental root canals, it has been shown that there is a correlation between the presence of specific bacteria and some endodontic symptoms and signs. Knowledge regarding the nature of endodontic microbiota depends upon the recognition of those microorganisms present in the root canal system of teeth with necrotic pulp and failed endodontic treatment.

The literature on root canal infections shows that root canal harbors an array of microorganisms.

^{^[3]}Why You May Need Retreatment After A Root Canal

Even when every step of the procedure goes smoothly, a tooth that is treated with a root canal may experience prolonged sensitivity or reinfection. According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), certain circumstances may prevent a tooth treated with a root canal from healing properly:

If the dental professional misses tiny, hidden canals or curved canals during the first treatment, the bacteria inside them may not be entirely removed and can cause infection.

Immediately after the root canal, the dental professional often places a temporary filling to provide a short-term seal for the root canal before placing the permanent restoration (such as a crown or filling). If there is a delay in placing the permanent restoration, there is a greater chance that the root canal can get reinfected.

If bacteria in the saliva get under the filling material before the filling is placed, the canal can become reinfected.

If the patient doesn’t maintain proper oral hygiene, new cavities can form on the same tooth that already received a root canal.

A filling or crown placed on the tooth that received the root canal can crack, loosen or break, allowing a new infection to start.

Symptoms Of Lingering Endodontic Problems

When any of the previous circumstances occurs with your root canal tooth, you may experience a range of symptoms. Here are some signs that indicate it may be time to make an appointment with your dental professional, according to the AAE:

Sensitivity to hot and cold, or lingering pain after consuming hot or cold food
Sharp pain when biting down or when tapping the teeth together
Constant pain and pressure
Swelling of the gums, with or without the presence of a pimple-like bump near the tooth on the gums
A dull ache experienced consistently in the same area

These symptoms indicate there may be an issue with the pulp of the tooth, which is the interior portion of the tooth treated by a root canal procedure.

How A Dental Professional Can Help

Your general dentist or endodontist will usually take X-rays to assess the condition of the tooth in question. The AAE notes that endodontists are specialized dental professionals who have received two to three additional years of education to diagnose and treat infections inside the tooth.

When you experience issues with a previously treated tooth, it may be necessary for an endodontist to reopen the tooth, explains the AAE. This process, called endodontic retreatment, allows the dentist to remove the original root canal filling material and reclean and reseal the canals. Following this procedure, they will place a temporary filling and you will receive your permanent restoration at a later appointment.

If you have a severe toothache or other old root canal infection symptoms, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with your dentist. When these conditions are addressed early, your dental professional can successfully retreat teeth and maintain your smile.

Conclusion:

Thank you for reading this article, and check back frequently for other dental health articles. Should you have any questions, please contact Apple Tree Dental today!

Article compiled by Apple Tree Dental

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Common Symptoms of a Root Canal Infection

Root Canal Vs. Tooth Extraction

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Root Canal Vs. Tooth Extraction

Introduction:

We have compiled this article on “Root Canal Vs. Tooth Extraction.” The reference links are at the bottom of the article.

^{^[1]}Toothache is highly prevalent in the community which makes patients seek necessary pain-relieving treatments. Root canal therapy (RCT) and tooth extraction are amongst the most commonly administered treatments for pain relief. During the past two decades, new advances such as the introduction of biomaterials, the application of dental operating microscope (DOM) during surgical and nonsurgical treatments, and the improvement of engine-driven instruments for root canal preparation have led to higher success rates in endodontic treatment.

The paradigm shift and increasing tendency of dentists to replace the tooth with an implant rather than conventional RCT has led to controversy. The increasing number of dentists that think implants may offer better results than RCT has caused great concern among specialists.

Up to now, not a single non-biased evidence-based study has been published indicating that extraction and placement of implant (EPI) is more preferential than RCT. Moreover, excessive commercial emphasis on EPI has resulted in an obsessive tendency in dentists to choose it, even for endodontically treatable teeth.

In addition, patients’ interest and their ability to afford more expressive treatments may affect their decision-making potential. In a study conducted in Canada, only 39% of patients who had extracted their posterior teeth due to periapical periodontitis, have sought for their replacement with implants. In a recent study in England, most of the patients did not tend to treat their necrotic molars due to high treatment charges and preferred single-tooth edentulism. Based on the above-mentioned studies, it can be concluded that the dentists’ tendency to choose EPI is not always in harmony with the patient’s interest. Therefore, inappropriate guidance from the dentist may result in a toothless patient. Hence, in patients who cannot afford implants, the dentist’s decision should be towards keeping the tooth as long as possible.

Incorrect treatment planning may result in implant failure, so dentists should not always think of implant placement as the ideal treatment. Although an implant is a highly successful treatment, failure is probable.

^{^[2]}Myths About Root Canals

The thought of a root canal may make you fearful or uneasy if you aren’t familiar with the procedure. There are common misconceptions that endodontic treatments such as root canals, cause pain and/or illness and should be avoided at all costs. The exact opposite is true. The pain, inconvenience, and cost of avoiding endodontic treatment in favor of tooth extraction or a wait-and-see approach can be easily avoided. The longer you postpone treatment the more you risk the chance to save your tooth. Take the time to read the information on our website to find out what endodontists do to save teeth with minimal time and discomfort. Then address any remaining concerns or questions with your dentist or endodontist.

Three Common Myths About Root Canals:

Myth 1: Root Canal Treatment Is Painful.

Decades ago that may have been the case, but with modern technology and anesthetics, you won’t experience any more pain than if you went to have a cavity filled. The pain from a severe toothache, often caused by damaged tissues in the tooth, can be easily remedied when an endodontist removes the damaged tissue through root canal treatment. In addition, endodontists are experts in pain management, and most cases can be treated quickly and comfortably.

Myth 2: Root Canal Treatment Causes Illness.

Information you may find on the Internet or elsewhere, claiming that if you receive a root canal treatment you’re more likely to become ill or contract a disease in the future simply isn’t true. This false claim was based on long-debunked and poorly designed research conducted nearly a century ago, long before modern medicine understood the causes of many diseases. There is no valid, scientific evidence linking root canal treatment to disease elsewhere in the body.

Myth 3: It’s Better To Pull A Tooth Than Have Root Canal Treatment.

Saving your natural teeth, if possible, is always the best option. Nothing artificial can replace the look or function of a natural tooth so it’s important to always consider root canal treatment as an option. Endodontic treatment has a high success rate and many root canal-treated teeth last a lifetime. Replacing an extracted tooth with a bridge or implant requires more time in treatment and may result in further procedures for neighboring teeth and supporting tissue.

^{^[3]}Root Canals Vs. Dental Extractions

If you have a “bad tooth” that’s been giving you problems for an extended amount of time, you may be wondering if the easier thing to do would simply be to plan a dental extraction. After all, if you remove your tooth for good, you don’t have to bother with it anymore…or so you assume.

In reality, it might actually be better to have your tooth treated with a root canal. During endodontic therapy, the infected or dying nerve is removed from the inside of your tooth. This step eliminates the source of discomfort and delays further infection. But a lot of people think that root canals have to hurt and would rather get their teeth pulled.

The Consequences Of Losing A Tooth

When you have a tooth extracted — regardless of the reason — it creates extra space inside of your mouth that wasn’t supposed to be there. This open gap can alter the alignment of the teeth on either side, causing them to drift inwards. One by one, the teeth gradually start leaning until your entire arch is affected.

Not only are adjacent teeth impacted by tooth loss, but opposing teeth are also as well! When a tooth no longer has a biting partner, it will start to erupt further out of its natural socket, looking for something to bite against.

So not only does tooth loss affect the area’s immediate neighbors, it alters your entire smile.

That being said, there are instances where having a tooth removed is in your smile’s best interest. For instance, severe damage that can’t be repaired, aggressive periodontal disease, or a dental emergency. When that’s the case, you’ll want to find a solution for replacing your missing tooth as quickly as possible, such as a dental implant or bridge.

The Truth Behind Root Canals

Endodontic therapy is designed to protect your tooth and help it function for several more years. Even though your tooth is no longer “alive” after a root canal, it’s still capable of working alongside of its partners when we reinforce it with a full-coverage crown.

Getting a root canal is easier than it’s ever been, thanks to modern techniques and advanced technology. For instance, specific equipment makes cleaning out the chambers gentler and more efficient, compared to older manual methods. And 3D imaging allows your dentist to evaluate different nerve chambers, as opposed to relying on two-dimensional X-rays.

With a little local anesthetic to numb your tooth, getting a root canal in a modern dental office shouldn’t feel much different than any other routine procedure.

Which One Is Right For You?

Should your tooth be removed, or is it better to try to save it? Visit an Apple Tree Dental in your area for a holistic approach that puts your entire smile’s health at the forefront of every care plan. Working with Apple Tree Dental allows you to feel confident knowing that your future smile is in good hands. Find a partnering dental team in your area today for more information!

Conclusion:

Thank you for reading this article, and check back frequently for other dental health articles. Should you have any questions, please contact Apple Tree Dental today!

Article compiled by Apple Tree Dental

Article reference links

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Root Canals

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Does your tooth have a hole from a lost cavity or trauma? Is this issue causing you tooth pain? Then, you have landed on the right website if you are looking for a Dentist in London, Ontario, offering Root Canal surgery.

Call our clinic today so we can book you an appointment that suits your schedule.

Need A Root Canal?

If you are in pain because of the need for a root canal procedure, the experts at our dental offices can help you achieve comfort in your mouth again soon. Before, people think when the dentist informed him that a root canal procedure had to be done for his tooth, he might loos that tooth; at Apple Tree Dental, we have all the updated technology to save your tooth and make it functional again.

What Is A Root Canal?

Our teeth have a container called pulp which holds all of the nerves and blood supply to our teeth. Extending down into the root, the pulp can get infected or injured resulting in the need for a root canal. The most common reason for a pulp infection is bacteria. Deep in the tooth cavity is a lot of debris and bacteria, which can move directly to the nerve and cause sharp pain and tooth sensitivity.

How do you know that your tooth needs a root canal procedure?

• Swelling and tenderness in the area close to your tooth
• Sharp shooting pain in a certain area of your mouth
• Dark discoloration in the tooth
• Sever sensitivity in response to hot or cold temperature.
Just to mention that not all cases of tooth require root canal procedure have pain experience, the dentist will diagnose the problem.

What happened during the root canal procedure?

This procedure might involve one to three dental visits. Dr. Altalib will remove the infected tissue after providing very effective freezing medicine which is topical anesthesia, next will sterilize and rinse the canal to make it ready to receive the filling material, it might be important to mention if the tooth becomes week and have minimum tooth structure left is to place a crown or cap to prevent the tooth from any fracture incident, this will be clarified later with your regular dental checkup to achieve optimum oral health

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Common Symptoms of a Root Canal Infection

Introduction:

^{^[3]}Why You May Need Retreatment After A Root Canal