A throbbing pain shoots through your jaw like an electric shock, jolting you awake in the dead of night. As you clutch your cheek and gasp for breath, you realize you may need to call your dentist.
This isn’t just a toothache; it’s a ticking time bomb, a bacterial infection rapidly spreading through your body. So, can it wait until morning? How fast does root canal infection spread? Keep reading to learn more.
What Causes a Root Canal Infection and How Fast Does It Spread?
The innermost layer of your tooth is called the pulp, which consists of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. When bacteria enter this area, it can become inflamed and infected.
Any of the following can cause an infected root canal:
- A cracked tooth
- A chipped tooth
- A fractured tooth root
- Damaged tooth pulp
- Tooth decay
- Repeated dental procedures
Recognizing the Signs of an Infected Tooth
Knowing the indicators of a dental infection can help you receive the timely treatment you need. Although the speed at which the infection spreads varies from person to person, it can happen very quickly. It’s essential to call your Evansville dentist right away before it reaches your jawbone or enters your bloodstream. An infected tooth can also lead to infections elsewhere, such as a root canal sinus infection.
Contact our dental office at the first signs of these symptoms:
- Persistent tooth pain
- Sensitivity to heat and cold
- Swollen gums or jaw
- A pimple on the gums
- Tooth discoloration
- A chipped, cracked, or loose tooth
- Pain from applied pressure
If you need root canal therapy, our dental team can numb the area, relieving any discomfort or pain you’re experiencing. Then, we’ll access your tooth’s pulp and remove the infection. Once it’s cleaned out, we’ll fill your tooth to seal it off. In most cases, we’ll place a dental crown on top of your tooth to strengthen and protect it.
Need More Information about Root Canal Therapy in Evansville, IN?
To learn more about root canal infections and how to care for your oral health after the procedure, we encourage you to contact our dental office! At Reliant Family Dental, we want every patient to maintain the healthiest smile possible.
You can reach us at (812) 402-7676.