8 Signs You Need a Root Canal

Have you ever had a toothache? One of the main things about a toothache is that it is difficult to tell which tooth is aching. You can only point to or identify the general area, unlike a professional dentist, who will usually find it easily. The same goes for telling whether you need a root canal. But if you delay it and your symptoms advance, some signs may lead you to know that you need a root canal.

A root canal is a procedure that dentists use to save infected or decayed teeth. Infection or decay can damage the tooth's pulp, blood vessels, and nerves. It would be best if you had a root canal to extract the pulp and maintain the tooth when this happens.

Signs That You Need a Root Canal

1. Constant Pain

Pain is usually the body's way of telling you something is wrong. Tooth pain works in the same way, and unlike other pains, tooth pain can be very intense. When you have persistent tooth pain that stops you from eating or drinking, it may be time to see a dentist. Most often, the cause of the pain is an issue with your tooth pulp. Either it is inflamed due to an infection or has been exposed to decay.

2. Broken, Cracked, or Chipped Tooth

Dental trauma can usually lead to your teeth becoming damaged. Sometimes, the damage is superficial, and it does not affect the pulp in the tooth. However, the damage can sometimes expose the tooth's sensitive inner parts. The exposure can make it difficult to eat or drink anything. In this situation, a root canal is necessary before any restorative procedure.

3. Temperature Sensitivity

If you notice that a tooth is sensitive to hot or cold drinks and food, it may be a sign of blood vessel and nerve damage. Sensitivity points to the pulp of your tooth being exposed through either decay or other damage. Hot or cold foodstuffs can be painful if your tooth pulp is exposed.

4. Swollen Gums

The gums are usually susceptible to issues with your teeth. If you have an infected tooth, it can cause the gums around the tooth to swell. Swollen gums can be a sign of something else, so a dentist appointment is necessary if you notice any inflammation.

5. Tooth Discoloration

Your tooth can become discolored due to several reasons. You can have some food with food color that spreads, or it could be an infection. Infection within your tooth can cause your tooth to change its color. If your tooth is discolored even after you brush, it may be a sign that the blood vessels and nerves within are damaged.

6. Pain Under Pressure

It is a sign of something amiss if you notice your tooth feels pain when you chew or touch it. If the pain is still there or even worse after a few weeks, it could indicate damage to the interior pulp.

7. Decay

You must make a dentist appointment if you notice that your tooth is extensively decayed. Decay damages the surface of the tooth and then the interior. If it is not stopped and corrected, it can lead to losing the entire tooth. The first thing in treating tooth decay is a root canal.

8. Loose Tooth

When there is damage to the tooth's interior due to infection, there may be acidic waste seeping into the base of the tooth. It can damage the supporting structure, weakening the tooth. If you notice your tooth is loose and some of the other symptoms mentioned above, you may need a root canal.

For more about signs you need a root canal, visit kksmiles at our office in Marietta, Georgia. Call 770-830-3700 to book an appointment today.