Signs you Need a Root Canal

Root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment, is the procedure used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected.  

Inside your tooth, beneath the white enamel and a hard layer called dentin, there is a soft tissue called the pulp. This tissue contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue, which help grow the root of your tooth during its development. When a tooth pulp is damaged, bacteria can cause infection to spread over your gum causing pain.

During a root canal procedure, the dentist will:

•  Remove bacteria and decay from the tooth pulp, root, and nerve.
• Disinfect the area with antibiotics.
• Fill the empty roots.
• Seal the area to prevent new decay.

Common Root Canal therapy Symptoms

The only way to know for sure if you need root canal therapy is by going to a dentist, nevertheless, there are some warning signs you need to look out for. In case you experience any of the following symptoms it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible. 

• Persistent pain: Although tooth pain does not always mean you need a root canal, it definitely means something not right. So, when pain appears, it is a good idea to have a visit to the dentist. Keep in mind that an early diagnosis and treatment for tooth pain typically leads to a better outcome.

• Sensitivity to cold and heat: If your tooth hurts whenever you eat or drink something hot or cold, it might be a sign that the blood vessels and nerves in your tooth are infected or damaged.

• Change in color of the tooth: There are many factors of tooth discoloration, such as a bad oral hygiene routine or even exposure to food or drinks that stains tooth enamel, however, an infection in the pulp of your tooth can also cause your tooth to become discolored.  When the tooth pulp is infected blood supply is inadequate, and gives the tooth a grayish-black appearance.

• Tooth mobility: Needing a root canal is not the only reason for a loose tooth, however, when the tooth pulp is infected, you may feel your tooth looser or with mobility. This mobility tends to be an issue when you are chewing or eating, so it’s important to visit the dentist as soon as you notice the problem.

• Swelling: Swollen gums near the tooth with pain can be a sign of an infection that requires a root canal. Swelling might come and go, but a visit to the dentist is needed to avoid any future problems.

How to prevent an infected tooth

A root canal procedure might sound scary or painful, and that’s one of the main reasons people tend to ignore their symptoms. People have reported that the procedure itself is not painful at all, the discomfort they’ve experienced is before going to the dentist, during the period of looking for dental help. 

An easy way to prevent an infected tooth is to follow the same dental care routine that helps prevent cavities and other dental problems. To keep your teeth healthy, try to get into the habit of following these steps:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
• Floss between your teeth at least once a day.
• Use fluoride toothpaste or a fluoride rinse.
• See your dentist for checkups every 6 months.
• Have your teeth professionally cleaned by your dentist at least once a year.

You can also read more about how to prevent an infected tooth.

Root canal therapy in Mexico  

Sani Dental Group is one of the largest dental clinics in Mexico, with 3 prestigious facilities in Los Algodones and Cancun Rivera.

We have been recognized and awarded by various associations like the American Dentists Association & Medical Tourism Association.

Among the dental procedures patients can find at Sani Dental Group, there is oral surgery, implantology, periodontics, and, endodontics.

With an on-site laboratory that differences us from other clinics, we’re able to offer our patients a more precise diagnosis, all in the same place!

Get to know more about Sani Dental Group and how you can turn your typical dental appointment into a complete dental paradise in one of our two destinations, also check out our full price list and see how much you can save on dental treatments.