What happens if you let a root canal go too long?
If a root canal is delayed for too long, the bacterial infection can spread to other areas of the mouth, putting the patient at risk for serious dental problems and other medical conditions. The infection can cause something called a dental abscess, which is a pus filled sac that requires immediate medical attention.
What are the signs you may need a root canal?
Signs you may need root canal therapy include:
- Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure.
- Prolonged sensitivity (pain) to hot or cold temperatures (after the heat or cold has been removed)
- Discoloration (darkening) of the tooth.
- Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums.
How do I know if my root canal is bad?
The signs of a root canal failure may include:
- Sensitivity when biting down.
- A pimple or boil on the jaw.
- Discoloration of the tooth.
- Tenderness in the gum tissue near where the root canal was performed.
- Pain in the tooth you had treated.
- Presence of pus-filled abscesses near the treated tooth.
- Facial or neck swelling.
Can a toothache be a sign of a root canal?
A toothache cannot be fully eliminated with painkillers; and, The patient can easily identify which tooth hurts, or indicate a painful area. Therefore, any type of pain can be a sign that a root canal is infected and a corresponding treatment is needed. Pain must be considered together with other symptoms to indicate the problem.
What do you need to know about root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is designed to eliminate bacteria from the infected root canal, prevent reinfection of the tooth and save the natural tooth. When one undergoes a root canal, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed.
Is it normal to have pain after a root canal?
A little pain immediately after a root canal procedure is normal. You may have discomfort and tenderness that will last a few days after the procedure. You might have mild pain for a week after.
Can a chipped tooth lead to a root canal?
If you’ve chipped or cracked your tooth in an accident, in a contact sport, or by chewing on something hard, bacteria can set in and lead to inflammation and infection. Even if you injure a tooth, but it doesn’t chip or crack, the injury may still damage the nerves of the tooth.
