Watch Out for These Signs That You Need a Root Canal

What are the most obvious signs that you need a root canal and that you can’t just deal with a dental filling or a regular dentist visit? First, let’s understand what the procedure is and how it can help you.

Getting Down to the Roots

A root canal is a treatment that gets rid of infected or inflamed nerves in the tooth. This results from an infection beneath the gum line from the root, pulp, and enamel. 

An endodontist will clean the bad nerves using a device that bores a hole through the enamel to expose the rotten pulp and roots and fix the resulting hole before sealing it up again. This is known as endodontic treatment. It is essential to address root canal issues to spread to nearby body parts, causing more severe health problems. 

The Signs of a Much-Needed Root Canal

How can you tell you need endodontic care? You must inform your dentist of the following signs when you experience them:

  1. Abscess: Abscesses register on an x-ray as a dark spot. It forms when the soft tissue of the jawbone is unable to heal or heal fully due to infection. This infection is directly underneath the gum line and tooth, caused by bacteria that somehow found their way below due to poor hygiene habits or sporadic circumstances.
  2. Broken Teeth: Darkening gums are a sign that the gums are decayed, possibly leading to an infection and the death of the tooth. You may need a root canal.
  3. Bruised Gums: Swollen gums are a sign of an infected tooth. They appear tender and will be painful to the touch. If we ignore them and don’t seek proper dental treatment, swelling will spread, and pain will increase. 
  4. Dark Gums: Darkening gums are a sign that the gums are decayed, possibly leading to an infection and the death of the tooth. You may need a root canal.
  5. Gum Bumps: A bump on the gums may be due to an infected tooth requiring a root canal. These pimple-like bumps are known as fistulas.
  6. Heat or Cold Sensitivity: Sensitivity to heat and cold can be a reason for needing a root canal, but some people need a root canal without feeling such sensitivity. Sensitivity to hot and cold lingers after the drinking or eating is done, regardless of whether or not you need a root canal.
  7. Sensitive Gums: If you have tender gums or even slight pain, you might be experiencing the side effects of a root canal treatment. 

    When at the dentist, be sure to tell them about your problem. 
  1. Unusual Pain: It is unpleasant to have mouth pain, and it should be mentioned to your dentist. However, certain types of pain within the mouth may signify that you need a root canal.

    If you have a pain that hits you like a wave, you likely have an infected or dead tooth that may need a root canal.

    Can you identify certain positions in which your gums or teeth hurt worse? If there is pressure on them when you lay down or bend over, you may need a root canal.

Root Canal Prevention Tips

These simple prevention tips can address such a complicated problem:

  1. Avoid sugary foods and drinks to prevent cavities.
  2. Brush and floss regularly to eliminate bacteria throughout the oral cavity.

Get to the Bottom of Root Infections with TLC

The root canal procedure is usually quite comfortable, but you might experience some discomfort for a few days afterwards. If the pain continues for more than a week after your root canal, you should contact your dentist. It is always best that a crown is placed on a tooth that has received a root canal to protect it from damage.

Book your root canal in Earlwood by visiting The TLC Dentist! We know how difficult it can be to make time to see the dentist. That’s why we take appointments until 6:30 pm Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and we’re open on Saturdays until 2 pm! We provide quality dental care at a time that’s convenient for you. Schedule an appointment today!