A root canal is a term for dental treatment that extracts decay from the pulp and root of your tooth. Your teeth have an enamel coating outside, a layer of dentin inside, and a soft inner core extending into your jawbone’s root. The tooth pulp, which is made up of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, is located in the core.
When decay penetrates the soft center, the pulp may end up being inflamed, infected, or necrotic (dead). In order to get rid of the decay, a root canal is needed. So, how do you determine whether you need a root canal? Are there any warning signs? Read further to find out more about the symptoms that show the need for root canal treatment.
Root Canal Symptoms
Going to the dentist is the only method to determine if you need a root canal. However, there are numerous signs to watch out for. In the event that you experience any of these indicators, it is crucial that you schedule a consultation with your dentist immediately. An infected tooth has a greater chance of healing successfully if it is attended to as soon as possible.
Recurring Pain
One of the indications that you may need a root canal is recurring tooth pain. The pain in your tooth may always torment you, or it might go away for a while but then return. You may feel the pain deep within the tooth’s bone. You may also experience referred pain in your face, jaw, or other teeth.
Other than a root canal, tooth pain can have various reasons. Listed below are additional possibilities:
- Gum disease
- Cavity
- Pain from a sinus infection or some other problem
- Damaged filling
- An impacted tooth that could be infected
If you have tooth pain, regardless of the root cause, you must see your Watrous dentist, especially if the pain is serious. Early detection and treatment usually lead to a better outcome.
Intolerance to Both Hot and Cold
It is normal to be sensitive to hot and cold, such as biting into food or eating ice cream. The pain is normally bearable and does not last long. However, if you experience severe sensitivity or the sensation lasts for hours after exposure, this could indicate an infected tooth and the need for a root canal in Saskatoon.
Discoloration of Teeth
Stains on teeth from beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and others are not always possible to avoid, but they are usually minor and very easy to brush away or lighten with a whitening product. In other cases, staining (typically yellowing or browning) can occur internally to the teeth and be impossible to remove.
If you experience this, it may be an indication that your tooth is decaying, and you should see a dentist right away. Click here to find a local dentist who can help you get a proper diagnosis of your teeth’s discoloration.
Chipped or Cracked Tooth
Bacteria can surface and cause an infection if you have cracked or chipped your tooth by biting on something hard, participating in sports, or being in an accident. Even if the tooth does not crack or chip and is only wounded, it can still damage the nerves to the point where root canal treatment is needed.
Final Thoughts
If you believe you have a problem with your mouth, you should keep an eye on it. Refer to the checklist of warning signs above and consult a dental professional if you notice any one of them. Remember that the more time passes before scheduling a root canal, the more work will need to be done. Visit your dentist as soon as you start to experience a problem so they can help you get back on track to excellent oral health.
