Common Signs That Indicate You Need a Root Canal

A root canal is the dental procedure name which purifies the decay of the pulp and root of your tooth.

Your teeth have an outer enamel layer, a second layer of dentine, and a soft inner core that stretches through your jawbone’s base. The heart comprises the nerve dental pulp, the blood vessels, and the conjunctive tissue.

The pulp may become inflamed or infected or even necrotic (dead), when deterioration reaches the soft nucleus. To get rid of this situation, a root canal is needed.

So, if you need a root canal, how do you know? Are there any signs? Continue to read about the symptoms that might mean a root canal is required in Oklahoma City.

Symptoms That Indicate You Need a Root Canal

If you need a root canal, the only way to be sure is by consulting your dentist. However it is important to look for several warning signs.

It is important to see your dentist as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms. The faster you can treat your tooth, the better the result.

Lingering Pain

Permanent pain in your teeth is one indication that a root canal might be required. Your tooth pain could always annoy you or it could go away from time to time, but it always comes back.

The bone of your tooth can feel the pain strong. Otherwise, your face, jaw or other teeth may experience referred pain.

In addition to root canal, tooth pain may have other causes. Any other options include:

  • Plague of the gum

  • Cavity

  • Referred synthetic pain or other issue

  • An infected filling

  • An effect on the infected tooth

Regardless of the cause, if you have tooth pain, it is a good thing to look at your dentist especially if the pain is constant. In general, early detection and treatment of tooth pain contribute to better outcomes.

Hot and Cold Compress

Is your tooth affected from eating warm food or drinking a taste of coffee? Or even when you eat ice cream or drink an icy-cold glass of water, your tooth will feel sensitivity.

The sensitivity can lead to strong pain. If this pain persist for a long time, even if you avoid eating or drinking, you will need a root canal.

It may be a sign that blood vessel and nerve in your tooth are contaminated or damaged if your teeth hurts while you are eating or drinking something hot or cold.

Fading Color of Teeth

Your tooth can become discolored due to an infection in the tooth pulp. A trauma to the tooth or an inner tissue breakdown can damage the roots and produce a greyish-black tooth.

Swollen Gums

Swollen gums close to the sore tooth may signify a root canal problem. The swelling can be there and there. When you touch it may be soft, or it might not be touching painful.

The acidic waste products from dead pulp tissues are responsible for swelling, which can lead to swelling (edoema) outside the region of root tips. There may be a tiny pimple on your gum as well. This is called an abscess or a gum boil.

It can trigger the tooth infection that can make your breath smell poor and give you an uncomfortable feeling in your mouth.

Feeling Pain While Eating

If you touch or eat your tooth, it can suggest significant tooth decay or nerve damage, which may require root canal care. This is particularly the case when exposure continues over time and when you stop eating, it does not go away.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

Bacteria may become contaminated or infected if you have chipped or cracked your teeth in an accident, in touch or by chewing something hard.

And if you hurt your tooth, while it doesn't chip or break, you will also hurt your tooth's nerves. The nerve can inflame and cause pain and susceptibility that may require treatment of the root canal.

Visit Comprehensive Family Dentistry in OKC to get your root canal done. Our dentists will help you get rid of the pain and other discomfort.

**Disclaimer: This content is not a professional dental or medical advice and does not imply a relationship between patient and care provider or the doctors.