A root canal is the dental procedure that removes decay from the pulp and root of a tooth. Your teeth have an outer enamel coating, a second dentin layer, and a soft inner core that continues into the root in your jawbone. The dental pulp, which comprises nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue, is located in the centre of the tooth.
When decay penetrates the pulp, it may become inflammatory, infected, or even necrotic (dead). Root canal therapy is required to remove the deterioration. So, how can you determine if you require a root canal? Are there any telling signs?
The only method to determine for certain if you need a root canal is to visit your dentist. However, there are various warning signals to watch out for. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is imperative that you visit your dentist immediately. The sooner a tooth is treated, the more favourable the outcome is likely to be.
1. Constant ache
Persistent tooth discomfort is one indication that a root canal may be necessary. The discomfort in your tooth may be constant, or it may subside occasionally but always return. You may feel the discomfort deep into the tooth’s bone. You may also experience referred pain in your cheek, jaw, or other teeth. There may be additional reasons for toothache besides root canal. Additional possibilities include:
- A damaged filling
- A hole or cavity
- A potentially infectious tooth that is affected.
- Gum disease
- Transferred pain from sinusitis or another condition
2. Heat and cold sensitivity
Do your teeth hurt when you consume warm food or a cup of coffee? Or perhaps your tooth becomes sensitive when you consume ice cream or a glass of icy-cold water. The sensitivity could manifest as a dull or acute ache. If this discomfort persists for an extended amount of time, even when you stop eating and drinking, you may need a root canal. If your tooth hurts when you consume something hot or cold, the blood vessels and nerves in your tooth may be infected or damaged.
3. Discolouration of teeth
A discoloured tooth may be the result of an infection in the pulp of the tooth. Trauma to the tooth or the decomposition of internal tissue can harm the tooth’s roots and give it a greyish-black hue.
4. Swollen gums
The presence of swollen gums surrounding a sore tooth may indicate the need for a root canal. The edema may fluctuate. It might be tender to the touch, or it might not be uncomfortable. Additionally, you may have a small zit on your gum. This is known as an abscess, parulis, or gum boil. The pimple may exude pus due to the dental infection. This can leave you with an unpleasant taste in your mouth and foul breath.
5. Discomfort when eating or touching the tooth
If your tooth feels sensitive to touch or when you eat, it could be a sign of significant dental decay or nerve damage, which may require a root canal. This is especially true if the sensitivity remains over time and does not disappear after you stop consuming the offending food.
6. A broken or chipped tooth
If you have chipped or fractured a tooth as a result of an accident, a contact sport, or by chewing on a hard object, bacteria can enter and cause inflammation and illness. Even if a tooth is injured but does not chip or crack, the injury may still cause nerve damage. The nerve may become irritated and produce discomfort and sensitivity, necessitating root canal therapy.
7. Mobility of tooth
When a tooth is infected, it may feel more mobile. This can be caused by sources other than pulpal necrosis (nerve death), although it may indicate the need for a root canal. If more than one tooth feels loose, the cause is likely unrelated to a problem that may require a root canal.
An infection within the pulp and root of your tooth can cause discomfort and suffering. Find doctor as soon as possible if you experience chronic tooth pain or other symptoms to receive a diagnosis and treatment. Although the term “root canal” appears to induce fear in many individuals, the dental surgery is not particularly painful. Almost everyone feels better quickly after receiving treatment.
