BEFORE AND AFTER A ROOT CANAL
You’re not entirely sure when or why your toothache started, but what began as an occasional, minor twinge while chewing has developed into a persistent, throbbing pain. While you’ve tried to put it off, that’s clearly no longer an option—so what’s next?
Take a look below to learn more about what could be causing your toothache—and how you can address the issue with your dentist or endodontist.
Dr. Becker
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF A TOOTHACHE?
If you’re experiencing any of the below, they could be indicative of a toothache and a sign that you need to see a dentist or endodontist immediately.
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Pain with biting or chewing;
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Teeth hypersensitivity to changes in temperature;
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Cheek or gums swelling near tooth;
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Discharge or bleeding of the gums, or;
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Constant throbbing within a tooth
There are a number of reasons that you could be experiencing these symptoms, and it’s important to understand what’s causing them to determine how to best treat the issue.
WHAT COULD BE CAUSING YOUR TOOTHACHE?
An injury or trauma typically caused by tooth decay (or cavity) is often the cause of toothaches. But, people often won’t feel the cavities until they get larger and deeper within the layers of the tooth structure. This severity of decay can usually be prevented with regular dental care and yearly cleanings by your dentist.
Though cavities are a common cause of toothaches, they can also be indicative of:
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An abscessed tooth,
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Damaged or fractured tooth,
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Dental work,
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Teeth clenching or grinding,
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Gum infection, or;
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Exposed root surfaces
Regardless of the cause, once you’ve reached the point of a toothache, you’ll want to see your dentist or endodontist immediately.
THE LONGER YOU WAIT MIGHT BE TOO LATE
If your dentist or endodontist determines your toothache has led to a root canal system infection, which stage of tooth decay you’re at can determine what your root canal therapy options are. All six stages of tooth decay have varying consequences for your tooth’s health:
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Stage One: White spots
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Stage Two: Enamel decay
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Stage Three: Dentin decay
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Stage Four: Involvement of pulp
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Stage Five: Abscess Formation
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Stage Six: Tooth loss
If you’ve put off seeking treatment for too long and get to stage six, you may only have the option of tooth extraction; however, if you address the issue early enough, you could save your natural tooth with root canal therapy.
Remember: It’s imperative to talk to your dentist or endodontist as soon as you start noticing any symptoms to help prevent an abscess formation or tooth loss.
And, it’s important to compare your root canal therapy options with your dentist or endodontist to determine which one will provide the best results—and the most successful recovery.
CONTACT US
451 Duvall Ave NE, Suite 120
Renton, WA 98059
Fax: (425) 523-6871