Garland Grove Dentistry
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Recognizing the Signs That You Might Need a Root Canal

February 19, 2023
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Root Canal

The symptoms of a tooth infection include tooth pain and jaw swelling. Sometimes there is a blister on the gum and tooth discoloration. If you have these symptoms, it’s essential to contact your emergency dentist in Garland, TX, as soon as possible. Without treatment, the infection can spread and put your teeth at risk.

You don’t have to have every symptom to have a root infection, and mild toothaches and swelling can increase in short order. In other words, slight discomfort can become excruciating as the day passes.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is located at the center of your tooth and houses pulp, tissues, and nerves. When bacteria penetrate the canal, you need root canal therapy. Without treatment, the pain will worsen, and you’ll lose the tooth. Additionally, untreated infections can spread.

Root infections can result from the following:

  • Tooth injury
  • Untreated tooth decay
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Lack of appropriate dental care

The Root Canal Process

If you’re diagnosed with a tooth root infection, your dentist will anesthetize the area around the painful tooth, which provides immediate relief. Then we remove the bacteria and infection from the canal. Afterward, we flush the tooth and seal it temporarily.

Later, when the anesthesia wears off, you may experience mild discomfort. Typically, ibuprofen over the counter is sufficient to remedy this.

After a week or two, you visit the dental office for a crown. The crown is customized to match your teeth, protecting them from further damage. Often infections weaken the tooth structure, which is why a tooth crown is so essential. It restores your chewing ability and keeps the tooth safe.

Gentle Root Canals in Garland, TX

If you have a toothache or other oral health concerns, we urge you to contact a member of our dental team today for guidance.

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