Your teeth and gums are the main channels into the body, so if you neglect oral hygiene, it may have a huge impact on your overall health. Tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, oral abscesses, and even tooth loss are potential consequences of neglecting good oral hygiene. Therefore, it is necessary to brush your teeth before going to bed and pay attention to oral hygiene.
Less Distractions
At night, there are fewer distractions than during the day, making it likely that your toothache will hurt more when trying to go to sleep.Increased Blood Circulation
Increased Blood Circulation
If you have a toothache, it's normal to feel more discomfort while sleeping. This is because lying down causes blood to rush to your head and increase pressure on your teeth.Extra blood pressure puts extra strain on a painful tooth, increasing its inflammation. So to reduce pain and swelling associated with this, apply cold compresses or use an ice pack.
Bleeding gums could mean you need to floss more often, or they might be a sign of a more serious problem.
Do your gums bleed when you floss your teeth? Gums can bleed for different reasons, but if they bleed regularly, or you have other possible warning signs of a problem, you should make an appointment with a dentist.
Your dentist will determine the reason why your gums are bleeding and discuss ways to stop the bleeding and address any underlying problems. Here are the common reasons why gums may bleed when flossing and how this may be prevented.
First-time or infrequent flossing
Bleeding gums are more likely to happen if you're not a regular flosser. When gums are not used to the sensation of flossing, they may feel itchy, sore or bleed in certain areas. This type of bleeding normally stops within a few minutes and should stop happening within the first week of a daily flossing routine.
If your dentist or hygienist thinks you might be flossing too roughly, or not enough, they will discuss your flossing method and demonstrate how to floss correctly. Flossing should be done at least once a day, before or after brushing.
To floss correctly using standard dental floss:
Pull off between 30cm and 45cm of floss and wind it around the middle fingers of both hands
Holding a length of floss between your thumbs and index fingers, gently slide it between two teeth
Gently clean up and down the sides of each tooth and tuck the floss slightly under the gum line
Move to a new section of floss and repeat for all of your teeth, discarding the floss after use
Trying a floss alternative
Improper flossing or brushing
If you are a regular flosser, bleeding gums could be a sign that you're flossing or brushing your teeth too roughly. Cleaning your teeth should be a gentle process, using soft floss and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brushing and flossing harder doesn't remove more plaque, but it can lead to irritation, bleeding, or even permanent damage to gums and tooth enamel.
Toothbrush heads typically need replacing every 3 months, if you're replacing them sooner because of frayed bristles, it could be a sign that you're brushing too hard.
Gum disease
Bleeding gums are a common sign of gum disease (periodontal disease), especially if you have other symptoms such as inflamed, red or tender gums. Gum disease is caused by plaque and tartar that build up on the teeth around the gumline. It may be treated by improving your oral hygiene and seeing a dentist or hygienist for gum disease treatment.
Nutritional deficiencies
If your diet is low in vitamin C or vitamin K, you are more likely to have bleeding gums. Vitamin C helps to repair damaged gum tissue, while vitamin K helps with blood clotting. Both vitamins are also important for building healthy teeth and bones.
Hormonal changes
The influx of hormones during times such as pregnancy, puberty and menopause can result in bleeding gums for some women by increasing blood flow to the gums and affecting the body's immune response to bacteria in plaque. Bleeding gums have also been linked with stress.
Medical conditions and medications
Some underlying medical conditions may cause gums to bleed, including diabetes and autoimmune diseases. It may also be a side effect of certain medications, such as blood-thinning medications. Your dentist will check your medical history and may consult with your doctor to discuss treatment options.
Trauma or dental treatments
How to stop gums from bleeding when flossing
Not flossing because you're worried about bleeding gums can make underlying oral health problems worse. Flossing is an important part of daily oral care, as it cleans the surfaces between your teeth and around your gums that your toothbrush can't reach. If you don't floss, bacteria and leftover food can build up on these surfaces, leading to problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Bleeding gums when flossing can usually be prevented by improving your oral hygiene routine, lowering your risk factors for gum disease or treating an underlying problem. Your dentist will recommend which approaches are most appropriate for you.
Improving your flossing technique
If you find flossing uncomfortable or difficult, your dentist might recommend alternatives to traditional floss that can be gentler or easier to use. These include:
Dental tape – a thicker style of dental floss that is gentler on gums
Pre-threaded flosser – disposable floss holders that can make flossing easier for beginners
Interdental brush – fine brushes for cleaning between the teeth
Water flosser – a hand-held appliance that directs a jet of water at teeth
There are a few sustainable options on the market to help you reduce plastic waste, including reusable silicone floss and biodegradable floss made of bamboo, beeswax or silk.
Steer clear of metal floss and avoid using toothpicks or sharp objects to clean between your teeth or remove trapped food, as these can damage your teeth or gums.
Improving your oral hygiene
Besides flossing, regular toothbrushing is important for keeping plaque at bay and preventing gum disease. Toothbrushing should be done at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
If you have sensitive teeth or gums, your dentist may recommend using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. They may also recommend a mouthwash if you need to reduce bacteria in your mouth.
Treating gum disease
If your dentist diagnoses gum disease, their treatment recommendations will depend on how far the disease has advanced.
Gingivitis is the mild form of gum disease and is usually reversible with good daily oral care and professional hygiene treatments at a dental clinic.
Periodontitis is the more severe form of gum disease that requires more intensive periodontal treatment. This can involve scaling and root planing to remove hardened plaque and tartar from under the gumline, removing infected pockets and treatments to restore lost gum or bone tissue.
Within this blog we will be covering all the key points to know about how long a tooth extraction takes to heal. This includes the time & stages of tooth extraction, how to speed up healing, and whether you extraction is healing correctly.
Tooth Extraction Healing Time and Stages
The time a tooth extraction takes to fully heal will largely depend on where the tooth was located, and the type of extraction that was performed. Typically, the healing time is between 7-10 days, although in more serious cases it is possible for healing to take between 2-3 weeks. The key stages of tooth extraction healing have been outlined below.
Stage One: This first stage comprises the initial 24 hours directly after the extraction and includes the formation of a robust blood clot. It is likely that there will be some discomfort, inflammation, and potentially light bleeding during this stage.
Stage Two: This stage involves the next 24 hours after stage one, and at this point the clot begins to properly form around the socket area. At this point the platelets within the clot have started to produce chemical factors which will encourage healing, while inflammation will begin to decrease.
Stage Three: By 3-4 days, this stage begins, and it will involve the early closure of the gum tissue around the extraction site.
Stage Four: This is the final stage, and it takes place around 4-7 days after stage three and 7-10 days after the initial extraction has taken place. At this point the extraction site has effectively fully healed, although it is possible that some extra time is needed in complex extraction procedures.
Speeding Up Healing
As mentioned before the healing process will vary based on where the extraction took place and the complexity of the extraction itself, although some tips to ensure the healing occurs swiftly have been detailed below.
Immediately following the procedure, you can ice the area to minimise pain or swelling for around 15 minutes, and should wait around 15 minute intervals in between future ice pack use
You should bite down on the gauze for 5-15 minutes after the procedure to ensure pressure is being applied sufficiently, and this should be repeated if it starts to bleed again.
Once the first 24 hours after the extraction have passed then you can begin to use a warm saltwater rinse. This involves a teaspoon of salt and a glass of warm water and can be used daily.
Any pain relief medication that has been given by the dentist should be taken as prescribed, otherwise you are able to purchase you own medication. However, check first with your dentist/doctor to ensure they won’t be problematic for the healing process.
Is the Extraction Healing Correctly
In many scenarios patients who have teeth extracted are unaware if their affected area is actually healing in the correct manner. You will be able to tell if it is healing correctly, if the first few days only involve some light bleeding, inflammation, and minor discomfort. Additionally, if you see some bruising around the area or stiffness in the jaw then this is perfectly normal. There may also be some small fragments of tooth/ root within the socket or sharp edge of the bony socket, which often clear and self-resolve. Help should only be sought if they don’t come out by themselves.
You will know that the extraction is healing correctly if there are noticeable improvements as the days pass by. You may even take pictures to monitor this and compare them will extraction healing pictures available online, to ensure that everything is normal. If you believe that your healing process is not occurring correctly then you should contact your dentist immediately. While in the majority of cases there is no issues, it will help put your mind at ease.
Most people know that wisdom teeth pain can be quite severe. But many don’t understand that the pain in wisdom teeth can come and go seemingly for no reason. So why does this happen? And more importantly, what can you do to make the pain go away for good? In this post, we’ll explore those questions and offer some solutions.
Why does wisdom tooth pain come and go?
Your wisdom teeth can cause you a lot of pain. But why does this pain come and go? What could be causing it?
There are several reasons why your wisdom tooth pain might come and go:
1. It is not wisdom tooth pain that you are experiencing
One reason is that the pain might come from another part of your mouth. An infection may cause pain in your gums or a problem with one of your other teeth.
2. Wisdom tooth is growing
Another reason the wisdom tooth pain might come and go is that the tooth itself is still growing.
3. Eruption
Finally, the wisdom tooth may be simply erupting. This means the tooth pushes through your gum line and into your mouth. The eruption process can be very painful but usually lasts only a few days. After that, the pain should go away.
If you are experiencing wisdom tooth pain, see a dentist. The dentist will be able to determine what is causing the pain and will be able to provide you with the proper treatment.
What can you do to remove the pain from your wisdom tooth?
If you are experiencing wisdom tooth pain, there are several things that you can do to make the pain go away:
1. Take over-the-counter pain medication
One of the easiest ways to reduce wisdom tooth pain is to take over-the-counter pain medication. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are both effective at reducing pain. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully.
2. Apply a cold compress
Another way to reduce wisdom tooth pain is to apply a cold compress to the affected area. This will help to numb the area and reduce inflammation.
3. Rinse with salt water
Rinsing your mouth with salt water can also help to reduce wisdom tooth pain. The saltwater will help to reduce inflammation and will also kill bacteria that might be causing the pain.
4. See a dentist
If the pain is severe, you might need to see a dentist. The dentist can prescribe more vital medication or can provide other treatments that will help to reduce the pain.
5. Home remedies
Several home remedies can help with wisdom tooth pain:
Clove oil is an effective natural remedy for toothache pain.
Peppermint tea bags have also been found to help relieve wisdom tooth pain.
Another home remedy is to mix one tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of water. This mixture can be used as a mouthwash or applied directly to the affected area with a cotton ball.
If you are experiencing wisdom tooth pain, there are several things that you can do to make the pain go away. Be sure to see a dentist if the pain is severe or if it does not go away after trying these home remedies.
When to see a dentist about wisdom teeth?
If you are experiencing wisdom tooth pain, it is vital to see a dentist. The dentist will be able to determine what is causing the pain and will be able to provide you with the proper treatment. In some cases, the pain might be caused by an infection or a problem with one of your other teeth. If this is the case, the dentist will be able to prescribe antibiotics or other medication to help treat the issue.
The dentist can prescribe more vital medication or can provide other treatments that will help to reduce the pain.
Conclusion
Wisdom tooth pain can come and go for a variety of reasons. In most cases, the pain is caused by the eruption of the wisdom tooth. The tooth can cause pain as it moves into position in your mouth. Other causes of wisdom tooth pain include infection, problems with another tooth, or gum disease.
You can do several things to numb the pain.
Suppose you can see a dentist for proper treatment. You can do several things to reduce the pain, including taking over-the-counter medication, applying a cold compress, rinsing with salt water, and using home remedies like clove oil or peppermint tea bags.
Like clockwork, we brush our teeth every morning to start the day with fresh breath and clean teeth. However, some of us get a bit lax about night brushing. What you may not realise is that this simple habit can save you a lot of dental health trouble.
Let's refresh our knowledge on the benefits of brushing teeth at night and how embracing this habit can reduce the chances of you getting a cavity by as much as 50%.
How important is it to brush your teeth at night?
Your oral health is an intricate part of your overall well-being. Throughout the day, your mouth encounters a variety of foods, each leaving behind particles and debris on your teeth. Some of these particles (such as sugary foods) are particularly notorious in sticking to your teeth and being attacked by germs.
A lot happens in your mouth while you sleep,
Germs are amongst fastest reproducing organisms in the world, hence by night time they have grown back by multifolds and are ready to act
Our Saliva flow rate drops to almost zero during night time which impacts the clearance of food debris and remineralisation of teeth
These overnight hours can become an opportunity for trouble. This makes night brushing a crucial part of your routine.
What happens if we skip brushing at night?
It can result in cavities and gum disease. When you go to bed without night brushing, the plaque in your mouth hardens. Once plaque hardens, it becomes tartar and is resistant to brushing. When left unchecked, cavities begin to form.
3 benefits of brushing teeth at night
1 . Reduces risk of cavities by 50%
One of the most significant advantages of night time brushing is its role in reducing the growth of harmful germs. Regular brushing before bed keeps germs in check and reduces the risk of cavities by 50%
2. Clears out food particles
Tiny particles from foods can get stuck in your mouth. Brushing at night using proper technique can help dislodge these particles and leave a clean mouth.
3. Can save you from painful treatments
Ignoring your oral hygiene can lead to significant problems down the road. From tooth removal to the dreaded root canal treatment, it can be both costly and time-consuming. Root canal treatment is a complex process that can be avoided by brushing morning and night everyday.
Improving Oral Health - Basic Tips To Take Care Before Bedtime
There are numerous ways to support your oral health while you seep.
Prioritize Night Brushing: Brushing your teeth before bedtime protects you from plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Improve Your Technique: Gentle, back-and-forth strokes are ideal for cleaning. Begin with the exterior surfaces of the teeth, then go on to the inner chewing areas. Use the brush's tip with gentle up-and-down strokes to clean the back side of your front teeth.
Address Teeth Grinding: If you wake up with teeth that are more sensitive or cuts on the inside of your cheek, it might mean you are grinding your teeth during sleep.
The best way to prevent teeth grinding, is to wear a special mouth guard while you sleep. This guard will shield your teeth from the harmful effects of grinding.
Take into account the benefits of brushing teeth at night and adopt this habit to ensure a healthier smile.
If your teeth are crumbling or if a piece of a tooth suddenly breaks off, it’s essential to visit a dentist promptly. Doing so increases the likelihood of fully restoring the damaged tooth without resorting to radical methods.
Here are if your teeth are crumbling:
Reasons Why Teeth Can Crumble
There are various reasons why teeth break, and only a dentist can accurately determine them. Here are some common causes of tooth decay:
injury by hard foods – if you peel pistachios with your teeth or accidentally bite into hard popcorn, it can lead to a tooth fracture and its further destruction;
caries – a pathological process that slowly and initially imperceptibly destroys tooth enamel, which eventually causes the tooth to crumble or break;
consumption of sour and sweet foods – the abuse of such products negatively affects the condition of tooth enamel, which gradually becomes thinner, less durable and unable to fully protect teeth;
bruxism – teeth grinding is harmful to dental health, as it leads to the destruction of enamel and causes tooth fragility;
insufficient oral hygiene – neglecting regular brushing, refusing to use dental floss and mouthwash can lead to caries and, consequently, to brittle teeth;
old age – with age, calcium reserves in the body are depleted, which can cause teeth, which are almost 95% composed of this mineral, to begin to crumble.
In addition, teeth are crumbling as a result of an accidental sports or household injury or accident.
What symptoms precede tooth decay?
Caries is one of the most common causes of tooth decay. The main problem is that in the initial stages, caries develops almost imperceptibly. when certain symptoms appear, it can already damage the tooth quite severely. That is why it is important to undergo preventive examinations at the dentist twice a year.
Here are the symptoms that can precede tooth decay:
the shape of the tooth changes – defects, cracks or chips appear on the enamel;
the enamel softens, becomes rough, yellow or brown spots may be visible
increased tooth sensitivity, pain when chewing food, under the influence of hot or cold drinks, sweet or sour food, etc.
In case of such symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor. A timely visit to the dentist will minimize the consequences.
What to do if a tooth is broken?
First of all, you should make an appointment at the dental office Queens, where doctors have extensive experience in fixing such problems. If a tooth is broken off, you cannot do without a doctor’s intervention, because you cannot cope with it on your own. The dentist will conduct an examination, assess the severity of the situation, and explain all the stages of treatment and restoration of the damaged tooth.
Treatment of injured teeth at the VIP Dental Care Clinic is carried out using advanced technologies and international standards. The priority is always to preserve and restore the broken tooth, not to remove it.
Professional dentists at VIP Dental Care Clinic perform all types of treatment and restoration of the dentition. If the tooth cannot be restored, the patient will be offered the installation of veneers, pins, or prosthetics with artificial crowns. If the tooth is completely destroyed, the doctor will recommend considering bone augmentation and implantation.
The doctor’s task is not only to restore the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the dentition but also to eliminate the cause of the decayed tooth or teeth. This will help minimize the risk of such problems in the future.
Preventive measures to prevent tooth decay
If you have previously experienced tooth decay and have undergone appropriate treatment at the dental clinic, it is essential to take preventive measures to avoid the problem from recurring. To do this, you should:
Brush your teeth twice a day and use dental floss regularly.
Visit the dentist twice a year for professional cleanings and check-ups.
Limit the consumption of sweets and other unhealthy foods.
Include calcium-rich foods in your diet.
Avoid injuring your teeth by biting hard objects like seeds or nuts.
Consult a dentist if you have bruxism to discuss treatment options such as a mouth guard or medication.
If your teeth are crumbling, it’s crucial not to delay addressing this issue, as the consequences can be serious. While initial treatment is typically straightforward and affordable, significant decay or complete tooth loss may require multiple dental visits, and implantation is a costly procedure.
Understanding oral health can sometimes feel like navigating a maze of medical terms. Two such terms that are often confused are tartar and plaque. Dr. James Sunners, a renowned dentist with years of experience, explains the differences between tartar and plaque and why knowing these differences is essential for maintaining optimal dental health.
Understanding Plaque: The Primary Culprit
Plaque is a soft, sticky film that builds up on your teeth and gums. It’s primarily composed of bacteria, along with food particles and saliva. Plaque forms continuously and is the leading cause of various dental problems, including cavities and gum disease.
Key Characteristics of Plaque
Color and Texture: Plaque is colorless or pale yellow and has a sticky, slimy texture.
Formation: It forms constantly on your teeth, especially in hard-to-clean areas.
Control: Regular brushing and flossing can effectively remove plaque.
The Risks of Ignoring Plaque
If plaque is not removed regularly:
Tooth Decay: The acids plaque bacteria produce can erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities.
Gum Disease: Plaque buildup along the gum line can cause gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums.
Transitioning to Tartar: When Plaque Hardens
Tartar, or dental calculus, is what plaque becomes when it hardens on your teeth—Tartar forms when plaque is left undisturbed on the teeth and reacts with minerals in your saliva.
Characteristics of Tartar
Hardness: Tartar is a complex, crusty deposit that can only be removed by a dental professional.
Visibility: Unlike plaque, tartar can be easily seen. It often appears as a yellow or brownish deposit along the gum line or between teeth.
Why Tartar is a Concern
Tartar buildup:
Promotes Decay: Creates a rough surface that facilitates more plaque accumulation, leading to increased tooth decay.
Gum Problems: This can lead to more severe forms of gum disease like periodontitis.
Prevention and Removal of Plaque and Tartar
The key to preventing tartar is controlling plaque. Dr. James Sunners recommends the following:
Regular Brushing: Brushing your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Pay special attention to the gum line, where plaque tends to accumulate.
Flossing Daily: Flossing removes plaque between teeth and under the gumline, areas where a toothbrush can’t reach.
Dietary Choices: Limit sugary and starchy foods that feed the bacteria in plaque.
Regular Dental Checkups: Regular visits to the dentist, like Dr. James Sunners, allow for professional cleaning to remove tartar and any plaque you may have missed.
Regularly scheduled dental cleanings are crucial in keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
A prophylaxis treatment is a technical term for regular teeth cleaning. Prophylaxis appointments and proper at-home oral care can contribute to a radiant smile and overall well-being.
This article explores what dental cleaning entails, and what you can expect during a prophylaxis session.
Prophylaxis dental cleaning, is a preventive dental procedure to remove plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth and gums.
Prophylaxis dental cleaning is an essential part of maintaining optimal oral health.
This procedure is typically performed by a dental hygienist or a dentist in a dental office.
Is Prophylaxis the Same as Teeth Cleaning?
Yes, prophylaxis is a dental term for regular teeth cleaning and involves the removal of plaque and tartar.
Dental scaling and root planing is a more intensive procedure to treat gum disease. It involves cleaning below the gum line and smoothing the tooth roots to eliminate bacteria and promote gum healing.
On the other hand, regular dental cleaning is a preventive measure that focuses on maintaining oral health and preventing the progression of gum disease.
It is generally recommended for individuals with healthy gums and serves as a routine cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup.
What is Done During a Dental Prophylaxis Session?
A dental prophylaxis session usually involves several steps to ensure thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums.
During a teeth cleaning appointment, you can expect the following procedures:
Examination: The dental professional will comprehensively examine your mouth before the cleaning begins. This examination helps identify oral health issues and determine the appropriate treatment plan.
Plaque and Tartar Removal: Using specialized dental instruments, the dental hygienist or dentist will carefully remove plaque and tartar deposits from your teeth. They will focus on areas that are hard to reach during regular brushing and flossing.
Teeth Polishing: After plaque and tartar removal, the dental professional will polish your teeth using a rotating brush or a rubber cup with an abrasive paste. This step helps remove surface stains and leaves your teeth looking clean and shiny.
Flossing and Rinsing: Once the teeth are polished, they will floss between your teeth to remove any remaining debris or plaque. They may also ask you to rinse your mouth to remove any residual polishing paste or debris.
Oral Health Education: To promote good oral hygiene practices, they may provide personalized tips on brushing techniques, flossing methods, and other oral care measures. They may also recommend specific dental products tailored to your needs.
Conclusion
By removing plaque, tartar, and stains, this preventive procedure helps prevent gum disease and other oral health issues.
Remember to consult your dentist regularly to determine the appropriate type and frequency of dental cleanings based on your unique oral health needs.
A broken tooth does not always count as a dental emergency unless it requires immediate dental care. A broken tooth can be the result of biting into something too hard, especially if the tooth has already been weakened by tooth decay. It can also be caused by trauma to the face or habits like teeth grinding.
A broken tooth ruins the aesthetic of your smile, and it can affect your ability to chew. A broken tooth is also more vulnerable to decay because food particles and other debris will build up when the tooth is broken. Fortunately, dentists have several tools at their disposal when it comes to treating broken teeth, like dental crowns.
How to determine if a broken tooth requires emergency care
Not sure if your broken tooth counts as a dental emergency? Here are a few things that you should be look for.
1. Excessive bleeding
Excess blood coming from a broken tooth is usually a sign that the tooth has serious internal damage. In many cases, the tooth’s pulp chamber has been compromised, leaving the nerves and blood vessels in there exposed to irritants in the mouth, like bacteria and acids.
Such injuries are often accompanied by excruciating toothaches, increasing the need for urgent treatment. Severe damage to a tooth is often addressed by performing root canal therapy. During the procedure, the dentist removes the soft tissues in the pulp chamber and disinfects the area. The tooth is sealed back up and covered with a crown to provide additional protection.
2. Loose tooth
A broken tooth that is loose because of an injury requires emergency care. If left untreated, the tooth can end up falling out. Dentists can easily address a loose tooth by securing it to other stable teeth with a splint. This keeps it firmly in place in the patient’s mouth, allowing its roots to form new bonds with bone tissues around them. The dentist can then perform appropriate treatments for the broken tooth, like composite bonding or a crown.
3. Excruciating toothaches
Dental issues that cause a person unbearable pain are usually classified as dental emergencies. Standard dental appointments involve waiting for one or more weeks to see a dentist. People who are dealing with intense pain require immediate access to a dentist.
Intense pain coming from a broken tooth is typically a sign that the tooth’s pulp chamber has been damaged. This leaves the nerves and blood vessels in there exposed to acids and bacteria. It is these irritants getting into the pulp chamber that leads to pain.
A dentist can resolve these by performing a root canal to remove the nerve and blood vessels. The tooth is then sealed up and covered with a dental crown.
Curious about root canals? Read on to learn more about when this procedure is recommended. Regular dental checkups are essential components of maintaining oral health. Although some teeth that need root canals may not cause symptoms, in most cases, patients will experience signs that are hard to ignore. Generally, when experiencing dental pain that disrupts sleep, work, or leisure, it is time to consult a dentist.
3 reasons that root canals may be recommended
A root canal is a procedure aimed at cleaning out tooth roots and sealing the space with a biocompatible material. After a root canal, the dental professional places a permanent restoration such as a dental crown. Undertaking these steps helps save teeth that might otherwise require extraction.
Here are three common signs that one may need a root canal:
1. Tooth pain
While tooth pain does not always indicate a need for a root canal, it does signal an issue. A thorough examination by a dentist can help determine the cause. Dental pain can range from mild to excruciating and may be constant or intermittent. Patients might feel pain only when chewing, or it could persist for hours or days. Pain often changes in intensity over time.
Root canal pain typically starts with mild discomfort, progressing to extreme pain or sensitivity, and may eventually lead to an abscess or infection if left untreated.
2. Swelling
Swelling can vary from mild to severe. Patients may notice a tender, slightly raised spot on the gum near the tooth, or experience swelling in their neck or face. This area may or may not drain fluid and is likely to feel sore or tender. Long-standing dental issues can cause swelling that recurs over weeks, months, or years. Regardless, swelling is a clear sign of a problem requiring immediate attention, so consult a dentist immediately.
3. Temperature sensitivity
Dentin hypersensitivity, or sensitive teeth, can have various causes. However, a new sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures can sometimes be the only outward indication that a tooth needs a root canal. Patients might feel mild discomfort, and consuming hot or cold items like cold water or hot pizza could be unbearable. The dentist will determine the source of the pain and whether a root canal is necessary.
The symptoms above often manifest when a tooth grapples with a severe infection. Unfortunately, by the time patients experience pain, heightened sensitivity, or detect an abscess, the bacteria have already infiltrated the inner pulp of the tooth. The dentist can identify potential problem areas through X-rays during routine dental cleanings and exams. Even a minuscule crack or chip in the tooth can be an open invitation for bacteria to enter its inner canal.
