There is a consistent ache in the tooth that is bothering you quite for some time and that is difficult to ignore. You think that is the problem of sensitive tooth to ice cream or coffee. Do you know this could also be a sign that you need undergoing a root canal?

There is little common perception that root canal treatment is a painful dental procedure. As a result of the treatment, people are been afraid of it. The mentioning of the term ‘root canal’ by the dentist makes patients scary. However the truth is quite different. In root canal treatment, which is usually referred to as RCT, the pain and the discomfort you suffer come before the procedure when the infections sets into the blood vessels and the nerves of an affected tooth. During the treatment the dentist cleans and seals the insides of the diseased tooth and thus you get rid of both the infection and the pain.

The Smile Clinic London has an excellent record in successful handling of RCT cases. Moreover, we are almost centrally located at the West End Land. Reaching us from anywhere in the city is comparatively easier. But how do you know that it is time to seek dental care and treatment for that nasty and persistent toothache resulting from the infected pulp inside?

In the following section let us explore few signs and symptoms of the infection in the tooth that can only be cured by a root canal.

Signs and symptoms of an infected tooth pulp

• Persistent toothache– the symptom of toothache often clearly indicates something is wrong with the tooth. Tooth pain can come and go but a severe and persistent pain often indicates an infection in the pulp. The pain may range between a dull ache and a intense sensation of acute pain all on a sudden. You must see a dentist immediately if and when normal activities like chewing, brushing, drinking and others cause pain. A dentist knows how to diagnose an aching tooth for signs of infected pulp. Based on the diagnosis the expert decides whether a root canal is needed.
• Prolong sensitivity of the tooth – if it is not possible for you to enjoy an ice cream or a steaming bowl of soup without pain then it can be a clear cut sign of either a cavity, a crack in the outermost enamel layer of the tooth caused by over brushing or a damaged root. Because of the infected blood vessels and the nerve endings, the diseased tooth becomes extremely sensitive to hot and cold temperatures as well as to certain stimuli. In many cases even cold air of the atmosphere, sweet food items or any citrus fruit leads to sharp and acute pain. There is no point in trying to compromise with this discomfort and pain. Rather you should make an appointment with dentist without delay and get the problem properly diagnosed and treated. If it is a case of infected tooth pulp, An RCT or root canal can fix your problem. An RCT will not only help you get rid of the pain and the suffering but will also prevent the infection spreading further. And once the root canal recovery period is over, you can enjoy life just like before.

Signs and symptoms of an infected root canal

A brief account on treating gum disease and fixing loose teeth

• Cracked or chipped tooth – a chipped or cracked tooth is often the reason for a root canal treatment. Harmful bacteria in the mouth get into the infected tooth through the crack or chip. This leads not only the tooth to infection and decay but also exposes your overall physical wellbeing to great danger. In course of time the bacteria enter into the bloodstream from the blood vessels of the tooth and you are in greater threat to suffer from serious medical conditions like heart disease, stroke and blood sugar to name a few. Trauma and accident resulting from body contact sports also lead to cracked or chipped tooth. Even biting on hard substance – like ice cube – can result in the same problem. In these events you should visit a dentist as soon as possible. The dentist will examine the damage and take corrective measures so that you do not get a nasty infection in the damaged tooth.
•      Discolouration of the toot  –Tooth discolouration is often a sign that need a root canal done. A decayed and    diseased tooth often turns darker.  Even the damaged nerve inside a tooth pulp can lead to distinct dark spot on the surface of the diseases tooth. Regular visits to the dentist help checking all these symptoms. If you have missed your last visit or two, make sure to book an emergency appointment with your oral healthcare expert to get yourself diagnosed, suggests an root canal specialist in London.
• Swollen gums  – reddish and swollen gums are one of the commonest signs of an RCT. Infection in the tooth easily affects the gums. As a result the later turns tender, inflamed and even bleeding. Canker sores or gum pimples are also a common occurrence in the gums. Basically these are puss-filled blisters that indicate there are issues underneath the teeth.