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A “root canal,” also known as endodontic therapy, removes damaged pulp tissue within the roots of the tooth. These roots are in the part of the tooth you can’t see, concealed under gums. The pulp, located in a channel running down the center of the tooth’s roots, contains blood vessels, tissue, and the nerves. It can be compromised by any number of traumas, including decay, cracks in tooth, gum disease, and deep restorations.
When the pulp is damage, the entire tooth can become threatened and pain can result. Removing the pulp offers a way to save the tooth and avoid or stop pain and infection. Once a root canal procedure removes the pup, the root continues to function as it should, with its supporting tissue intact.
Guide to Tooth Pain
Click a link that describes your symptom to read about possible problems and what to do.
Symptom - Momentary sensitivity to hot or cold foods
Possible Problem
If the discomfort lasts only moments, sensitivity to hot and cold foods generally does not signal a problem. The sensitivity may be caused by a loose filling or by minimal gum recession which exposes small areas of the root surface.
What To Do
Try using toothpastes made for sensitive teeth. Brush up and down with a soft brush; brushing sideways wears away exposed root surfaces. If this is unsuccessful, see your dentist.
Symptom - Sensitivity to hot or cold foods after dental treatment
Possible Problem
Dental work may inflame the pulp, inside the tooth, causing temporary sensitivity.
What To Do
Wait four to six weeks. If the pain persists or worsens, see your dentist.
Symptom - Sharp pain when biting down on food
Possible Problem
There are several possible causes of this type of pain: decay, a loose filling, or a crack in the tooth. There may be damage to the pulp tissue inside the tooth.
What To Do
See a dentist for evaluation. If the problem is a cracked tooth, your dentist may send you to an endodontist. Cracked tooth pain comes from damage to the inner soft tissue of the tooth, the pulp. Endodontists are dentists who specialize in pulp-related procedures. Endodontic treatment, also known as root canal treatment, can relieve that pain.
Symptom - Lingering pain after eating hot or cold foods
Possible Problem
This probably means the pulp has been damaged by deep decay or physical trauma.
What To Do
See your endodontist to save the tooth with root canal treatment.
Symptom - Constant and severe pain and pressure, swelling of gum, and sensitivity to touch
Possible Problem
A tooth may have become abscessed, causing the surrounding bone to become infected.
What To Do
See you endodontist for evaluation and treatment to relieve the pain and save the tooth. Take over-the-counter analgesics until you see the endodontist.
Symptom - Dull ache and pressure in upper teeth and jaw
Possible Problem
The pain of a sinus headache is often felt in the face and teeth. Grinding of teeth, a condition known as bruxism, can also cause this type of ache.
What To Do
For sinus headache, try over-the-counter analgesics or sinus medicine. For bruxism, consult your dentist. If pain is severe and chronic, see your physician or endodontist for evaluation.
Symptom - Chronic pain in head, neck, or ear
Possible Problem
Sometimes pulp-damaged teeth cause pain in other parts of the head and neck, but other dental or medical problems may be responsible.
What To Do
See your endodontist for evaluation. If the problem is not related to the tooth, your endodontist will refer you to an appropriate dental specialist or a physician.
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