Not Sure if you Need a Root Canal? Here are 6 Common Symptoms to Watch Out For

Severe toothache, swelling and tenderness in the gums, unpleasant taste in your mouth, sensitivity to hot and cold, discoloration of the tooth, persistent pain. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, make sure to book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.Â

Are you experiencing tooth pain that just won’t quit? Or maybe your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, making it impossible to enjoy your u foods and drinks. Well, fret no more!

In this article, we will be decoding dental distress and uncovering the 6 symptoms that indicate the need for a root canal. So grab a seat and let’s dive into this informative journey towards healthier teeth and a happier smile.

Introduction: What is a Root Canal?

When a tooth’s nerve becomes damaged or infected, it needs to be removed to prevent the spread of infection. This procedure is called a root canal, and it’s one of the most common dental procedures performed today.

A root canal is a treatment to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed from the tooth, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed.

Root canals are usually performed by endodontists, which are dentists who specialize in treating issues with the nerves and pulp of teeth. Root canals are generally considered to be safe procedures with a high success rate.

If you think you may need a root canal, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible to get an evaluation. If you wait too long, the infection could spread and you may need more extensive treatment, such as surgery.

Symptoms of dental distress/when a root canal is needed

Dental distress can manifest in a variety of ways. Some common symptoms that may indicate the need for a root canal include:

• Severe toothache that is not alleviated by over-the-counter pain medication
• Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures that lingers long after exposure has ended
• Discoloration or darkening of the tooth
• Swelling and tenderness in the gums around the affected tooth
• Small, pimple-like bump on the gums near the affected tooth

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to contact your dentist as soon as possible.

While some of these symptoms could be indicative of other dental issues, only a professional can properly diagnose the problem and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.

Severe toothache

A severe toothache can be a sign that you need a root canal. This type of pain is usually caused by an infection in the root of the tooth. It can be very intense and may even radiate to other teeth or to your jaw.

If you have a severe toothache, it’s important to see a dentist right away so that the infection can be treated and the pain relieved.

Prolonged sensitivity to hot and cold

Prolonged sensitivity to hot and cold can be a sign that you need a root canal. If you find that your teeth are sensitive to extreme temperatures, it could be because the nerve endings in your teeth are inflamed.

This can happen when the tooth is cracked or damaged, allowing bacteria to enter the pulp of the tooth and causing an infection. A root canal is necessary to remove the infected pulp and save the tooth.

Swelling and tenderness in the gums

If you’re experiencing swelling and tenderness in your gums, it’s important to seek dental care as soon as possible. This is often a sign that there is an infection in the tooth, which can lead to a need for a root canal.

Root canals are one of the most common dental procedures, and they are usually successful in saving the tooth. However, if the infection is left untreated, it can spread to other teeth or even to the jawbone. In severe cases, this can lead to serious health problems.

If you notice any swelling or tenderness in your gums, make an appointment with your dentist right away. They will be able to determine if a root canal is necessary and help you get on the road to recovery.

Discoloration of the tooth

There are a number of reasons why your tooth might start to change colour. If you notice that your tooth is discolouring, it’s important to visit your dentist to determine the cause.

One common reason for tooth discoloration is staining from food, drinks, and tobacco products. These stains can be removed with professional teeth whitening treatments.

Another possible cause of tooth discoloration is internal bleeding. This can happen if you have an injury to your tooth or gums. The blood will mix with the tooth’s natural pigment and cause it to turn red or black.

If you have a bacterial infection in your tooth, this can also lead to discoloration. The bacteria produce toxins that break down the tooth’s enamel, leading to a yellow or brown appearance.

Root canal therapy is often necessary when the root of the tooth becomes infected. This can happen due to decay, trauma, or other dental problems.

During root canal therapy, the infected tissue is removed and the interior of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. This helps to prevent further damage and restore the appearance of the tooth.

Painful biting or chewing

When you bite or chew, do you sometimes feel a throbbing pain in your tooth? Does the pain last for more than a few seconds? If so, you may need a root canal.

The pain you’re experiencing is likely due to an infection in the root of your tooth. This can happen when the tooth’s enamel is damaged, allowing bacteria to enter the tooth and infect the pulp.

The pulp is the soft tissue in the center of the tooth that contains blood vessels and nerves.

If the infection isn’t treated, it can spread to other parts of your mouth and body. It can also cause abscesses (pus-filled pockets) to form around the root of your tooth. Abscesses can be very painful and can lead to serious health problems if they’re not treated promptly.

A root canal is a procedure that involves removing the infected pulp from your tooth and then cleaning and sealing the tooth. Root canals are usually performed by dentists or endodontists (specialists who treat diseases of the teeth).

If you think you may need a root canal, make an appointment with your dentist or endodontist as soon as possible.

Pimples on the Gums

If you have pimples on your gums, it is important to see a dentist right away. This is because pimples on the gums can be a sign of an infection in the root canal.

The root canal is the space inside the tooth that contains the nerve and blood vessels. If this space becomes infected, it can cause pain, swelling, and damage to the surrounding teeth. A root canal procedure is used to remove the infected tissue and clean out the root canal.