Root Canal Treatment

A patient suffering from an infected root canal will almost certainly recognize that there is something wrong. They will usually be in severe pain and will notice the following signs:

• Severe and intense toothaches that won’t go away
• Sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks
• Swollen and tender lymph nodes
• Recurring abscesses on the gums

There is a common misconception that root canals are very painful. The truth is, a root canal isn’t usually any more painful than a typical dental filling. The dentists usually provide an anesthetic before the procedure so during and a short while after there isn’t a huge amount of discomfort. There will likely be tenderness or sensitivity for a few days though as the root canal heals because the tissues around the gums could be swollen or agitated.

Most people facing root canal treatment are curious as to whether there are alternative procedures worth considering. Since endodontic therapy is considered a “last line of defense” for restoring your tooth, the only remaining options are to have your tooth extracted or wait until you’re in pain and have it removed at a later date. Unfortunately, with either of these options, you risk the infection spreading deeper into your face or adjacent teeth. Getting a root canal is the best possible solution.

If you opt to have your tooth extracted, there’s still the concern of replacing it as soon as possible. Otherwise, the extra space in your bite can throw off the alignment of your surrounding teeth. Two of the more common replacement options include a dental bridge or implant.