An infected tooth nerve usually causes a strong, lingering toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold that lasts after the trigger is gone, pain when biting, and sometimes gum swelling or a pimple-like bump near the tooth. The infection will not heal on its own. A root canal treats it by removing the infected nerve tissue (the pulp), cleaning and sealing the inside of the tooth, and saving the natural tooth.
A toothache is never pleasant, especially when it comes from an infected tooth nerve. This usually happens when deep decay, a crack, trauma, or an untreated cavity lets bacteria reach the innermost part of the tooth and infect the nerve tissue.
When that happens, a root canal procedure is often needed to relieve the pain and save the tooth.
What Does a Tooth Nerve Look Like?
The nerve sits inside the tooth as part of the dental pulp, a soft tissue that also contains blood vessels and connective tissue. The pulp fills a chamber in the centre of the tooth and runs down through thin channels in each root, called root canals. You can’t see it from the outside. On a dental X-ray, the pulp shows up as a darker space running through the middle of the tooth and down its roots.
What is a Root Canal Procedure?
Despite its reputation, a root canal is a routine treatment that is usually no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. It is designed to save a tooth whose nerve is infected or badly inflamed.
The procedure removes the infected nerve tissue (the pulp), cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and seals it to prevent reinfection.
Symptoms of an Infected Tooth Nerve
Recognizing the signs early helps you get treatment before the infection spreads. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent or throbbing tooth pain, sometimes worse at night
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the food or drink is gone
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Swollen or tender gums near the tooth
- A pimple-like bump on the gum that may drain
- Darkening or discolouration of the tooth
If you notice any of these symptoms, see a dentist in Vancouver promptly. For more warning signs, read what are the signs I need root canal treatment.
Can an Infected Tooth Nerve Heal on Its Own?
No. Once the nerve is infected, it can’t heal by itself, and antibiotics alone don’t clear an infection inside the tooth. The pain may fade if the nerve dies, but the bacteria remain and can lead to an abscess, bone loss around the root, or infection spreading further. The infected tissue has to be removed, either with a root canal or by extracting the tooth.
Get urgent care if you have swelling in your face or jaw, a fever, or any difficulty swallowing or breathing.
The Root Canal Procedure
Before starting, your dentist will examine the tooth and take X-rays to see how far the infection has spread. The procedure usually involves these steps:
- Anaesthesia: Local anaesthetic numbs the area around the tooth so you are comfortable during treatment.
- Accessing the Pulp: The dentist makes a small opening in the top of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber and canals.
- Removing the Infected Tissue: Specialized instruments remove the infected nerve tissue and clean and shape the canals. This step removes the bacteria and helps prevent further infection.
- Filling and Sealing: The cleaned canals are filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha and sealed to prevent bacteria from getting back in.
- Restoration: Most teeth that have had root canal therapy need a crown or filling to protect them and restore normal function. This may be done at the same visit or at a follow-up appointment.
Root Canal or Extraction?
When a tooth can be saved, a root canal is usually the preferred option because it keeps your natural tooth and avoids the need for a bridge or implant. Extraction may be recommended if the tooth is too damaged to restore. Learn more in our comparison of root canal vs extraction.
Post-Procedure Care
After a root canal, follow your dentist’s instructions carefully. This may include avoiding chewing on the treated tooth until it is fully restored, keeping up good oral hygiene, and attending follow-up appointments. Mild tenderness for a few days is normal. Contact your dentist if pain or swelling gets worse.
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment relieves the pain of an infected tooth nerve and lets you keep your natural tooth. It maintains normal chewing, protects neighbouring teeth from extra wear, and restores the appearance of your smile.
Final Thoughts
The idea of a root canal can make some people anxious, but it is a highly effective way to stop the pain of an infected tooth nerve and save your natural tooth. Seeing a qualified dentist near you as soon as symptoms start can prevent complications.
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are the best way to catch decay early and reduce the chance of needing a root canal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an infected tooth nerve feel like?
Usually a strong, lingering or throbbing toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold that doesn’t fade quickly, and pain when you bite. Some people also notice gum swelling or a small bump on the gum.
Can an infected tooth nerve heal by itself?
No. An infected nerve can’t heal on its own. Even if the pain stops, the infection can remain and spread, so the tooth needs a root canal or an extraction.
How is an infected tooth nerve treated?
The usual treatment is a root canal, which removes the infected pulp, cleans and seals the canals, and is followed by a crown or filling. If the tooth can’t be saved, it may need to be extracted.
Is a root canal painful?
The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic, so the procedure should feel similar to having a filling. Some tenderness for a few days afterwards is normal.
When is an infected tooth an emergency?
Seek urgent care if you have facial or jaw swelling, a fever, or difficulty swallowing or breathing, as these can be signs that the infection is spreading.
City Square Dental Center Can Treat Infected Tooth With Root Canal Procedure
At City Square Dental Center, we treat infected teeth with careful, precise root canal procedures. Our team focuses on relieving your pain and saving your natural tooth by removing the infected tissue, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and sealing it effectively.
Our modern clinic and caring team help make your visit as comfortable as possible. Learn more about our root canal therapy near you, or book an appointment.
