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Signs That Suggest You Have Root Canal Infection

Root Canal Treatment
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  • December 25, 2020

When it comes to ensuring that your oral health is in good shape, there is more to it than what meets the eye. Dental clinics in San Antonio, TX say that little things that you experience on a daily basis could be triggering some serious infection. Especially, when it comes to root canal infection, you can’t really see the infection but there are chances that you might have it. If critical infection like root canal are caught at an early stage, you could be able to prevent extreme damage to your tooth which would otherwise lead to tooth loss. Now, the question arises – How do you know when you have a root canal infection? Read on to find out.

What is a Root Canal?

Root canal is the inner part of the tooth that is present between the tooth root and the pulp. Each root canal contains nerves and blood vessels which are responsible for some important functions. Blood vessels deliver nutrients to both teeth and nerves. While the nerves have the ability to sense cold, heat, and pressure.

Root canal is also a dental procedure that effectively treats the infection in your root canal. When you have a root canal infection, bacteria get inside the root canal of your tooth putting tooth pulp, nerves, and blood vessels at risk. This procedure works by effectively clearing up the infection by removing the infected part and then preserving the natural tooth with tooth filling and crown.

Warning Signs You Have Root Canal Infection

According to a root canal specialist in San Antonio, you might always face some symptoms if a root canal is infected. Here are some warning signs you should look for that indicates you might have caught the infection.

1. Persistent Pain

Root canals are located inside the tooth roots and are filled with soft tissue referred to as pulp. This pulp houses blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. Now, if any root canal catches an infection, it leads to inflamed tissue which compresses the sensitive nerves contained in the pulp. This causes pain that might come and go or might stay constant.

2. Temperature Sensitivity

If you are facing heightened sensitivity to hot or cold food items, chances are that you might have a root canal infection. That fleeting pain that you experience when biting extremely cold ice cream – yes, that’s what we mean when we refer to temperature sensitivity. If you experience hypersensitivity to extreme cold or hot substances, it is clearly a red flag for you.

3. Darkened Tooth

If the infection in your root canal is advancing, it might lead to a darkened tooth. This occurs as a consequence of the infection affecting the blood supply.

4. Swelling of Gums

Infection in your root canal can cause some visible signs on your gumline. Swelling gums around the affected tooth or pus-filled pimple or abscess on your gum is a body’s way of fighting or responding to the infection. If swelling occurs and goes, it is still important to consult your dentist regarding the same.