Characterized by creating a small hole in the tooth and cleaning out bacteria and infected pulp, a root canal procedure can be beneficial for many reasons. While surprising to learn, the treatment is actually very common. As a matter of fact, an estimated 15.1 million root canal procedures are performed each year. Even though they are common, most people are not familiar with the treatment and if it is something they need. With this guide and your dentist's help, you will learn a few signs that you need a root canal treatment.

Toothache

A toothache can be one of the most painful things you can experience. For many, the pain is so severe, it can lead to an emergency room visit at the hospital. If you are experiencing the throbbing pain of a toothache, visiting your dentist as soon as possible is crucial.

In most cases, a toothache is caused by an infection inside the tooth or underlying roots. This infection may develop after breaking or chipping the tooth, which can allow food and bacteria to build up in the tooth and spread to the roots. Cavities and the early stages of tooth decay can also result in a toothache.

Your dentist will determine the cause of your toothache before suggesting a root canal procedure to remove the infected pulp. It is important to remember that without removing the infected tissue, the bacteria will spread, eventually causing more pain and increasing your risk of losing the tooth.

Swollen Gums

Everyone experiences light swelling of the gum tissue and even periodic bleeding after brushing the teeth and gums. However, if your gums are constantly red, swollen, and bleeding, you may have inflammation caused by gingivitis or a more severe form of gum disease.

A root canal procedure may be recommended by your dentist if you have red, swollen, and bleeding gums that are caused by the presence of bacteria lingering in one or more teeth. These bacteria inflame the roots of the teeth, eventually spreading into the gum tissue.

Your dentist will conduct X-rays to find the teeth that are infected. Once found, the root canal procedure will clean out the infected tissue from the teeth and roots, reducing the stress on the gums and easing the swelling and inflammation of the gum tissue.

A root canal procedure is not a miracle treatment, but it can be beneficial if you have pain, discomfort, and inflammation in your teeth or gums.