The pulp is a soft tissue found inside teeth, between the white outer layer of enamel and the inner layer of dentin. The tooth pulp is made up of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that can become inflamed or infected, resulting in an infected root canal as explained by a Palm Harbor, FL dentist. In this blog post, we will talk about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of root infections.
Causes of dental root infections that allow germs to enter the tooth root:
- Untreated tooth decay
- Chipped tooth
- Injury resulting in a cracked tooth
A toothache is one of the indications of a tooth infection, along with other indicators such as foul odor and taste in the mouth, and fever. Symptoms may include swelling, pain while chewing or biting food, and sensitivity to hot and cold foods or beverages.
When people ignore the signs listed above, germs enter the blood arteries and travel through the bloodstream. The infection will spread throughout the body, posing life-threatening risks, particularly for those with underlying illnesses.
Symptoms of Root Canal Infection
You may have extreme discomfort as a result of the root canal infection. The discomfort worsens when the infection spreads to other regions of the mouth, including other teeth and your jawbone. A root canal infection is extremely likely to cause gum irritation and swelling. The swelling is usually limited to the area surrounding the affected tooth, but if the infection progresses, the inflammation in the gums may also expand.
Dental abscesses are perhaps the most unpleasant of the symptoms that can occur when dealing with a root canal infection. A dental abscess is a collection of dead pulp and bacterial components that form at the tip of your tooth root, behind the gums. The dental abscess is caused by inflamed pulp and bacteria, which develop pockets of pus and fluid. A dental abscess presents as a big sore or pimple on the gums.
Dental abscesses can be quite painful. They may also start to ooze foul-smelling and tasting fluids. Dental abscesses provide an unmistakable foul breath. Dental abscesses can be evacuated as part of root canal therapy.
Treating an Infected Root Canal
The most frequent therapy for an infected root canal is a course of prescription antibiotics administered over time. During this period, it is critical to maintain proper dental hygiene and avoid sugary meals and beverages, since they might exacerbate the infection.
