It can be difficult to know if your dental issues require a root canal procedure, especially during the early stages when you are waiting to see if better dental hygiene will resolve your symptoms or if you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Most times, the physical symptoms don’t start to show until the problem has become more severe. So how can you tell if you need a root canal? Keep reading to find out.
What exactly is a root canal?
Root canal treatment is a type of dental procedure used to relieve the pain caused by an abscessed or badly infected tooth. During the procedure, bacteria are extracted from the inflamed pulp, root and nerve, and the surfaces inside the tooth are disinfected and cleaned before a filling is placed to seal up the space in order to prevent new decay. A root canal procedure can be performed by either a dental specialist (endodontic) or at a general dental practice.
Symptoms that indicate that you might require a root canal
Severe and persistent pain
One of the tell-tale symptoms that might indicate the need for a root canal is severe and persistent tooth pain. The pain might bother you intermittently or continuously. Some of the areas you might feel the pain include; the jaw, face, other nearby teeth or deep in the bone of your tooth. It is important to bear in mind that this type of tooth pain may also be a symptom of other dental issues such as cavities, damaged filling or gum disease. Always ensure to schedule an appointment with your dentist for any tooth pain, as early detection and treatment will improve the outcome of your dental procedure.
Sensitivity to cold and heat
If your tooth hurts when you consume either hot or cold food, it could be an indication that the nerves and blood vessels in your tooth are either damaged or infected. This pain or sensitivity can feel like a sharp pain or a dull sensation and ache. You might require a root canal if you experience this pain for an extended period of time (even after you stop eating or drinking).
Swollen gums
In addition to a painful tooth, if the gums near the area are swollen, this could be a sign that the dental issue requires a root canal. This swelling is usually caused by the acidic waste of dead pulp tissues. The swelling may go away for a little while, but it always comes back. It may present like a boil (abscess) which oozes pus as a result of the infection in the tooth, leaving an unpleasant taste in your mouth and your breath smelling bad.
Tooth discolouration
One of the telling signs of infection in the pulp of your tooth is darkened and discoloured tooth. This is usually because when tooth pulp dies, there is an inadequate supply of blood. Bear in mind that tooth discolouration can have a number of other causes, so it’s always a good idea to schedule an appointment with a reliable dental practice like Sherwood Park Dental Practice the moment you notice that a tooth is changing colour.
Conclusion
Although the idea of getting a root canal seems scary to most people, the procedure doesn’t have to be painful. With the right dental practice like Sutton dentist Sherwood Park Dental, the experience can be quick and hassle-free. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, schedule a dental appointment immediately.
