Root canals might have a bad reputation, but they are crucial in saving your natural teeth when a deep infection occurs. Advancements in modern technology and techniques have made root canal procedures as comfortable as receiving a standard filling.
Nearly 26% of adults have untreated tooth decay, which can lead to severe infections requiring a root canal. If you’ve been dealing with ongoing tooth pain, recognizing the signs early can help you get the treatment you need before the problem worsens. Here’s what to watch for and expect if you need root canal therapy.
1. Persistent Tooth Pain
A persistent toothache is one of the first signs you might need a root canal. This discomfort can be constant or intermittent and often feels like a deep, throbbing ache near the tooth’s root. The pain may intensify when you chew or bite the affected tooth.
If the pain doesn’t go away or worsens over time, it could be a sign that the dental pulp—the inner tissue containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue—is infected or damaged.
2. Sensitivity to Hot or Cold Temperatures
It could be more than a minor sensitivity if you feel sharp pain or a lingering ache when drinking or eating something cold or hot. This kind of reaction often signals an issue with the tooth pulp, and if the discomfort sticks around long after the cold or hot has passed, it could signal nerve damage inside the tooth.
3. Tender or Swollen Gums
It might be an infection if you notice your gums are tender or swollen around a specific tooth. The swelling can range from slight puffiness to more noticeable discomfort, making it painful to touch or brush.
You might even spot a small bump, like a pimple, on your gums. This is called a dental abscess, often pointing to an infection that could mean you need a root canal.
4. Tooth Discoloration
Is your tooth turning yellow, brown, or gray? That could be more than just a cosmetic issue. Discoloration in a single tooth might mean the nerves and blood vessels inside are damaged or dying.
When this happens, the breakdown of the tooth pulp can cause a change in color, often signaling the need for root canal therapy to remove the infected pulp and save the tooth.
5. Chipped or Cracked Tooth
Even a tiny chip or crack can expose the inner layers of your tooth to bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, one of the leading causes of tooth decay. Once these bacteria get inside, they can cause infection, leading to severe problems that might require a root canal.
So, if you’ve experienced tooth trauma or noticed any cracks or chips, don’t wait to see your dentist–it’s better to catch it early before an infection takes hold.
6. An Unpleasant Taste or Odor
Are you dealing with a bad taste in your mouth or persistent bad breath, even after brushing? This could be more than just a case of garlic breath—it might be a sign of a tooth infection.
When an abscess or decaying pulp is involved, it can lead to a foul smell or taste that doesn’t go away. It could mean a more serious issue is happening, and it’s time to visit your dentist.
Take Action Early To Save Your Tooth
Root canals are essential procedures that help save your natural teeth from severe infections and extraction. If you notice these signs, book an appointment with Valley Dental Care of Plainfield today. Early intervention can prevent further complications, keeping your smile healthy and pain-free.