Having a tooth problem causes a lot of pain and it is good to know early enough the cause of the pain. If the pain is as a result of an infected pulp, then you will need a root canal.
In the early stages, it can be difficult to know whether improved oral hygiene can solve your problem or whether you need to see an orthodontist for some dental work. This is because only a trained specialist can diagnose your problem accurately.
It is very normal for the physical signs not to show until the problem advances to a serious level, and this explains why a regular visit to a dentist is necessary. If you fail to do that and your problem escalates, you will have no option but to go for a root canal.
Have you been suffering from consistent and intense tooth pain recently? Click here to learn about 7 serious signs you need a root canal.
1. Persistent Pain
Pain is a major indicator of a tooth problem. It shows that something is wrong and needs your attention. If you can’t eat or drink without feeling pain then your tooth could be having an issue and you need to see a dentist as soon as possible.
Your aching tooth will be examined to see if the nerves or blood vessels have been infected. If antibiotics can’t treat the infection and the tooth is badly damaged, a root canal will be done to reduce the pain.
2. Cracked or Chipped Tooth
Your tooth can get cracked or chipped from being involved in an accident, eating hard foods, or when a previous dental procedure wasn’t done well. A chipped or cracked tooth exposes the nerves in your tooth and this may lead to infection.
Such an infection is dangerous as it can spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. So, if your tooth is cracked or chipped, you need a root canal. A root canal is a procedure used to save a tooth that has become infected or badly damaged.
This is done by repairing it so you can continue eating and chewing without issues. The infected pulp will be removed after which that area will be cleaned and finally filled with an inert material then sealed.
3. Sensitivity to Cold or Heat
This is another common indication that you may need a root canal. Your tooth is said to be sensitive when it aches whenever you drink something hot or something cold. It may start as a small pain but eventually, develop into an intense and sharp pain.
A sensitive tooth may result from damaged nerve endings and blood vessels. It is advisable to avoid taking hot tea or coffee, and very cold water or ice when you have such a problem. Your dentist should be able to advise on the way forward.
4. When Your Gum Area Is Swollen
Swollen gums are obvious signs that you have an issue beneath the surface. If they are swollen and painful, or if there are raised bumps on it, then they may be root canal symptoms, meaning that you have a tooth problem. It will be upon your dentist to make the final decision.
In some cases, a root canal may be necessary. Millions of people have undergone this procedure and their teeth got saved. After the procedure, the pain will be gone and your teeth will be healthy again.
5. Dark Discoloration Of The Tooth
Poor hygiene can cause tooth discoloration. Exposing your teeth to food and drinks without cleaning them will make stain them. Nerve damage beneath the surface of a tooth can also make it develop a dark coloration.
When your case is that of nerve damage, then signs you need a root canal are confirmed. There is no need to worry if an endodontist or a dentist settles on a root canal process to treat your diseased or damaged teeth.
6. Prolonged Sensitivity
When you apply some pressure on your teeth and you feel some pain, it could be a sign of an underlying issue with your teeth. This is always the case if that pain lasts for long without any improvement. This is when it is best to get a root canal.
Chronic tooth sensitivity is most likely to result from a damaged root and it won’t heal on its own unless a dentist is involved. A root canal may ease the pain and get back your teeth to their normal functional status.
7. Deep Decay Is Another One of the Signs You Need a Root Canal
This is another obvious sign that you need a root canal. Once the decay sets in deep within the base of the tooth, no amount of rinsing using mouthwash, flossing or brushing will solve the problem. In such a case, a root canal could be the only option.
If you neglect such a decay for a long time, it will infect the nerves and is most likely to spread to other teeth. This is why regular visits to the dentist and regular oral hygiene are quite indispensable. After your root canal, be sure not to go back to the old habits that led to the decay.
Keep your teeth and gums clean throughout.
When You Experience the Signs You Need a Root Canal, Get Help Immediately
As soon as you notice that there are some issues with your teeth, don’t hesitate. Go and see your dentist for diagnosis and treatment. If there are any signs you need a root canal, no need to worry about it. The procedure is not painful and takes quite a short time, especially at the hands of an experienced dentist.
There could be some minor sensitivity issues and aches after the anesthetic fades off but this will diminish after a while. You will then start enjoying the normal use of your teeth which many take for granted.
Walking around with a toothache hurts more than going and having it fixed through a root canal. If you suspect that you need a root canal, go ahead and contact us to have your dental issues sorted out.
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