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What is tooth root inflammation?
Tooth root inflammation is an inflammation around the tooth root. In the majority of cases, the inflammation is caused by a deep caries attack(hole in the tooth).
In other cases, tooth root inflammation can also occur as a result of either:
- A previous root canal treatment where not all bacteria was removed in the root canal.
- A dental trauma (a violent blow to the tooth)
- Or a larger crack on the tooth.
In all of the cases listed, what happens is that the bacteria spread until the inflammation reaches the nerve of the tooth. The inflammation causes the nerve to die and as the inflammation spreads, it reaches the bone of the tooth. At this stage, we would say that tooth root infection has occurred.
Most people discover tooth decay very late in its development. In such situations, you run the risk of the damage becoming even worse. Therefore, regular visits to the dentist can be helpful to ensure that your dentist detects possible tooth decay in time. In addition, it's extremely important to avoid cavities, and if they do occur, you should treat them as soon as possible. That way, they won't have time to develop into deeper cavities that can cause tooth decay.
Symptoms of gingivitis
Root canal caries, as it is also known, is mostly detected by the X-ray images in any dental visits. However, it can also be recognized by typical symptoms. However, there are some cases where there are no symptoms.
The typical symptoms are:
- Soreness when you swallow
- Swelling, soreness and pain in your jaw
- Soreness and/or pain when chewing
- Persistent throbbing pain
- Discoloration on your tooth
- Unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Pain in your gums
- Sore swelling (dental abscess).
How do we treat tooth root inflammation?
Whether or not tooth decay is causing symptoms, treatment is needed immediately. As mentioned, it's important to have regular dental visits where you can have x-rays taken to detect possible tooth root infections.
If we detect tooth root inflammation, we will perform a thorough root canal treatment. The nerve is removed and the root canal is carefully cleaned so that we can make a tight filling. The filling, which consists of a specific substance, must fill the entire root canal. This ensures that no bacteria can get in and cause another root canal infection. Finally, the tooth is rebuilt with a plastic filling or a dental crown.
Usually, there will be no side effects after a root canal treatment. However, because there is a risk of bacteria entering and causing another root canal infection, it is necessary to keep an eye on the root canal treated tooth.
FAQ - Tooth root inflammation
Tooth root inflammation occurs when bacteria enter the root canal of the tooth and cause infection. This can be caused by various factors, such as deep cavities, cracked or damaged teeth, repeated dental treatments or trauma to the tooth. The infection leads to inflammation and pain in the tooth nerve and can result in tooth loss if not treated properly.
Signs of tooth root inflammation can include persistent toothache, increased sensitivity to heat or cold, swelling and tenderness of the gums around the affected tooth, discoloration of the tooth, and pain when chewing or pressing on the tooth.
Symptoms can vary and sometimes be absent. If you experience these signs, you should contact Tandliv.
Treating tooth root inflammation, called root canal therapy, doesn't have to be painful. Our dentists will usually use local anesthesia to numb the affected area and minimize pain during the procedure. After the anesthesia, you may experience pressure, but the pain should be minimal. After the treatment, there may be soreness for a few days, which can be managed with painkillers.
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