A root canal treats infection or inflammation within a tooth’s inner soft tissue, known as the pulp. This procedure aims to eliminate the infection and protect the decontaminated tooth from future microbial invasion. By addressing the damaged pulp, a root canal allows for the preservation of the natural tooth, preventing its extraction.
Symptoms Requiring Attention
Several signs can indicate the need for a root canal. Persistent tooth pain, which might be a continuous throbbing or come and go, is a common indicator. This pain can worsen when chewing or applying pressure to the tooth, and may even spread to the jaw, face, or other teeth.
Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures that lingers after the stimulus is removed often suggests damage to the tooth’s internal nerve. Swelling and tenderness in the gums surrounding a tooth, or even swelling of the face and jaw, can also point to an underlying infection. Sometimes, a pimple-like bump on the gums, which may ooze pus, signifies a dental abscess, a collection of pus from a bacterial infection. Additionally, a tooth that has darkened or become discolored, appearing grayish or black, can indicate a dying dental pulp.
Common Causes of Pulp Infection
The pulp within a tooth can become infected or inflamed due to several factors. Deep tooth decay is a frequent cause, as bacteria from cavities can penetrate through the outer layers of enamel and dentin, reaching the pulp. This can lead to inflammation and infection.
Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth can also lead to pulp inflammation over time. Each restoration can cause trauma to the tooth and its pulp, potentially resulting in chronic inflammation. Cracks or chips in the tooth surface provide pathways for bacteria to infect the pulp. Even if a tooth is not visibly fractured, trauma from an injury or impact can damage the pulp, leading to infection.
Dental Diagnosis of Pulp Issues
To determine the need for a root canal, a dentist performs a thorough diagnostic examination. A visual inspection of the tooth and surrounding gums for swelling, discoloration, or the presence of a gum boil is performed. X-rays assess the extent of decay or infection, identify any abscesses at the root tip, and evaluate the tooth’s root structure.
Tests evaluate the tooth’s response. A percussion test involves gently tapping on the tooth with an instrument to check for tenderness. Palpation involves gently pressing on the gums near the tooth’s root to detect any tenderness or swelling in the surrounding tissues. Thermal tests, using cold or sometimes heat, help assess the pulp’s sensitivity and the nature of its response, with lingering pain often pointing to irreversible inflammation. An electric pulp test may be used to gauge the nerve’s response, though its reliability can be affected by existing restorations.
Ignoring Symptoms
Delaying treatment for an infected tooth can lead to serious complications. If the pulp infection remains unaddressed, it can spread beyond the tooth’s root, forming a dental abscess, which is a localized collection of pus in the bone or soft tissues around the tooth. This can cause increased pain and swelling.
The infection can spread to adjacent areas, such as the jawbone, facial tissues, and sinuses, causing conditions such as cellulitis or osteomyelitis. In rare instances, bacteria from an untreated tooth infection can enter the bloodstream, affecting organs like the heart or brain. This systemic spread can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition. If the infection is left untreated, it can cause significant bone loss around the affected tooth and may necessitate the extraction of the tooth.