A root canal is a dental procedure and one of the best solutions for saving a tooth that is in serious trouble. But how do you know if you need a root canal? Catching the signs early on can mean all the difference between keeping your natural tooth and needing more extensive and expensive dental procedures down the road. Here are a few warning signs that you might need to talk to your dentist about a root canal.
What Are Some Signs That Might Mean You Need a Root Canal?
When the pulp, or the soft tissue housing nerves and blood vessels, inside your tooth becomes infected, inflamed, or develops an abscess, it can cause plenty of painful symptoms. A root canal is one solution to removing the damaged tissue, stopping the infection in its tracks. It also helps you preserve the tooth itself. Here’s what to watch out for:
Persistent or Throbbing Tooth Pain
Tooth pain that just won’t quit is a major red flag in dentistry. If your discomfort lingers for days into weeks or worsens when you eat, drink, or apply pressure, that could be a sign of deep decay or infection. In some cases, the pain may come and go, but if it returns and gets worse, it’s a sign that the nerve inside the tooth is compromised. Unlike fleeting sensitivity, pain that lingers this long often signals a more serious problem within the tooth.
Sensitivity to Hot and Cold That Won’t Go Away
Does sipping coffee or eating ice cream send a sharp pain through your tooth? If the sensitivity and pain stick around after the temperature exposure, that could mean there is nerve damage inside the tooth. As the condition gets worse, sometimes even lukewarm food or drinks can cause discomfort. This type of pain isn’t just annoying; it’s often a sign that your tooth’s inner tissues are inflamed or damaged. This makes a root canal necessary to prevent worsening damage.
Swollen, Tender Gums Around the Tooth
Swelling near the tooth causing you problems can be an indicator of a deeper problem. If your gums are puffy and tender or even have a small, pimple-like bump (a dental abscess), you likely have an infection. You might even notice pus drainage, which is a giant red flag signaling that you need immediate treatment.
A Tooth That Is Changing Color
A tooth that looks darker than the others may be dying. When the pulp inside your tooth is severely damaged or dead, it can cause discoloration, usually turning the tooth gray or brown. If you notice one tooth standing out in color from the rest, it’s time to consult your dentist before the issue worsens. This change happens because the blood supply to the tooth has been cut off, which means the tissue inside is decaying.
Why You Should Never Ignore the Symptoms of an Infected Tooth
If left untreated, an infected tooth won’t just get better on its own. The infection can spread to the jawbone, cause severe swelling, and even lead to deeper health problems. In the worst cases, untreated infections can lead to tooth loss, requiring costly replacements like implants or bridges. There’s also the fact that oral infections can sometimes contribute to more serious health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes complications, making a root canal even more important.
What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure?
If your dentist says that you need a root canal to solve your tooth problem, here’s what you can expect:
- Diagnosis and X-rays: Your dentist will take X-rays to assess the extent of the infection and determine the best approach for treatment.
- Numbing the Area: A local anesthetic is used to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure.
- Removing the Infected Tissue: The dentist drills a small opening in the tooth and removes the damaged pulp.
- Cleaning and Sealing the Tooth: The inner chamber is cleaned, disinfected, and filled to prevent further infection.
- Restoring the Tooth: In most cases, a crown is placed over the tooth to restore its shape, strength, and function.
What Should You Do If You Think You Need a Root Canal?
Don’t wait for the pain to take over your life. If you’re experiencing any of these warning signs, schedule an appointment with a trusted dentist as soon as possible. Early intervention can save your teeth and prevent unnecessary suffering. Contact Mission Viejo Dental Specialists and Orthodontics today to book your consultation and take the first step toward relief!