Some Symptoms That Indicate You Need a Root Canal

A dental procedure for cleaning out the decay and the pulp and root of your tooth is known as a root canal. Your teeth have an enamel layer on the exterior, a layer of dentin inside, and a softcore within that extends to the root of your jawbone. The core houses the dental pulp which is home to the nerves, connective tissue, and blood vessels.

When tooth decay reaches the soft core the pulp becomes inflamed or infected or even dies. A root canal is needed to remove the decay. So how would you know whether you need a root canal? Continue reading to learn more about the symptoms that could indicate you need to undergo this procedure.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal procedure involves cleaning out decay within the tooth and preserving it. When performing the procedure your dentist will be:

• Extracting the bacteria and decay from the tooth pulp, nerve, and root.
• Use antibiotics to disinfect the area.
• Fill the empty roots.
• Seal the area to prevent fresh decay.

Root canal treatment can be performed by your general dentist but is often referred to a specialist in this procedure known as an endodontist. Root canal treatment can leave your natural tooth in place and prevent further decay but it also leaves the tooth fragile making it necessary to be covered with a crown.

Some Quick Facts About Root Canals

• The American Association of Endodontists has confirmed that over 15 million root canals are performed every year in the United States.
• Over 41,000 root canals are performed every day in the country.
• Root canals have acquired a reputation of being painful but only 17% of people described the procedure is there most painful dental experience.
• Root Canal symptoms can vary depending on the variety of bacteria in the infection.

Trying to understand whether you need a root canal will be difficult by yourself and the best method to accomplish this goal is to visit your dentist. The pain in your tooth may concern you consistently or it might disappear occasionally to return later. Given below are some warning signs you should be looking out for. You may experience pain deep in the bone of the tooth or may find your face, jaw, and other teeth painful. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms it is suggested that you visit your dentist immediately to get root canal treatment as early as possible for best results. Some Root Canal symptoms are as follows:

Persistent Pain

One of the signs indicating you may need a root canal is persistent pain in the tooth. The pain may have other causes besides the root canal and some of the possibilities include:

• Gum disease.
• Cavities.
• Referred pain from sinus infections or other problems.
• A damaged filling.
• An impacted tooth with an infection.
• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures especially when having warm food or drinking a cup of coffee.
• Tooth discoloration because the infection in the pulp can cause discoloration in the tooth.
• Swollen gums near the painful tooth.
• Pain when touching the tooth or eating.
• A chipped or cracked tooth.
• Tooth mobility.

Is a Root Canal Painful?

Root canal procedure can be scary but is not different from having a deep filling. You may experience little or no pain because the dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb your tooth and gums to ensure comfort during the procedure.

The root canal procedure is similar to getting a large filling but only takes longer. Your mouth will be numb when the dentist is cleaning out the decay, disinfecting the roots and filling them. You will experience some soreness and tenderness after the root canal. These conditions are normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. Root canals are most painful in the pretreatment stages and any discomfort you feel will drop to minimal levels within a week.

Preventing a Root Canal

Following simple oral hygiene habits that can prevent cavities and other dental problems is the best way to prevent a root canal. To keep your teeth healthy and prevent a root canal beside the root canals cost you should develop the following habits:

• Brush your teeth twice a day.
• Flossing is also essential.
• Use fluoride toothpaste or a fluoride rinse.
• Visit your dentist twice a year for checkups.
• Limit the quantity of sugary foods and refined carbohydrates you have because they have a tendency to stick to your teeth.

Visiting a dental professional regularly will ensure any problems in your mouth are detected early and the essential treatment offered to prevent the need for expensive root canal treatments.