A lot of people are afraid of getting a root canal procedure. This is mainly due to a lot of misconceptions about the procedure. With that being said, it’s best to avoid any sort of advanced dental procedure when possible. In order to avoid a root canal procedure, you need to avoid a root canal infection to begin with.

Below is more information about what a root canal infection is, what causes them, the repair procedure, and more.

What is a Root Canal Infection?

Over time, tooth decay will worsen if not taken care of. The decay will spread downward and go through the enamel and dentin of the tooth. Eventually, it will get to the pulp and infect it. At this point, a root canal procedure will be required to remove the infection and repair the tooth.

What Happens if the Infection Goes Untreated?

If you allow a root canal infection to go untreated, the problem will escalate further. It doesn’t simply end with the root infection. The infection will continue to spread downward and eventually reach the jaw—causing problems with your jawbone. If your tooth becomes decayed enough, your dentist may need to extract it. It’s much easier to undergo a root canal procedure than have a tooth extracted and replaced.

Symptoms of a Root Canal Infection

There are a few symptoms you’ll want to look for to determine if you have a root infection. These include: 

• Tooth sensitivity
• Discomfort when eating
• Discoloration
• Pain
• Bad odor
• Swelling of the gums around the infected tooth

Once you notice these signs, it’s time to set an appointment with your dentist. Even if you are only experiencing one, you should get an appointment in the books so the dentist can diagnose the issue. Not only can the pain get worse, but the damage done can eventually become irreparable.

Treatment for a Root Infection

The first step for treatment of a root canal is scheduling an appointment. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, don’t wait around for your next cleaning and checkup. Instead, contact your dentist’s office and book an appointment. Your dentist will do an oral exam and an x-ray. They will look over the exterior and interior of the tooth to diagnose the problem. Once they determine it is a root infection, they will schedule you for a procedure.

The process itself is a lot easier than most people think. The common misconception about root canal treatment is that it’s very painful. This is no longer the case. These days, local anesthesia is used to numb any pain. You may feel some pressure but nothing severe. Your dentist will then drill into the tooth and clean the pulp. They will ensure no infection is left behind. They will then dry out the area and place a dental filling. This will add strength to the tooth and help to avoid future infection. Before you know it, the procedure will be complete!

Preventing a Root Infection

While the root canal procedure isn’t as bad as you may imagine, it’s still important to avoid the procedure entirely. There are a few things that you can do to prevent a root infection… 

• Take good care of your oral health. Make sure you are brushing, flossing, and rinsing twice a day, every day.
• Go to the dentist. Set an appointment for a cleaning and checkup every six months. If you take good care of your oral health, you shouldn’t get cavities (that lead to root infection). If you do end up getting cavities, they can be treated early.
• Don’t wait. As soon as you notice signs of decay, take action. Don’t wait around for that infection to reach the pulp of your tooth.

Speak with Us Today

If you believe you have a root infection, contact 24/7 Dental today. One of our expert dental hygienists will examine your tooth and take x-rays to determine the source of the issue. If it’s a root canal infection, they will set an appointment for a procedure to repair your tooth.

If you don’t have an appointment for a cleaning and checkup, call us today!