If you know someone who has gone through a root canal procedure, they probably weren’t talking about it with enthusiasm. Of course, root canals are not always pleasant, but they are better than suffering from circumstances in which you require one.
Your dentist checks for symptoms of needing a root canal during a dental emergency or routine cleaning and exam. Various causes and warning signs indicate that you might need a root canal sooner rather than later.
Table of Contents
Parts of the Tooth Involved in Root Canal
It all begins at the outer layers of your tooth. First, the enamel is a material that protects your teeth from corrosion, heat, and pressure. Next, the bacteria in your mouth form a plaque on the teeth that feeds on carbohydrates and sugars.
The sugars produce acid that erodes with the tooth, so you should remove the plaque to prevent tooth decay. When tooth decay is out of control, it eats through the enamel into the dentin.
Dentin is a soft material with tubules leading to the tooth’s pulp. The tubules carry nutrients and allow heat and pressure to stimulate the nerve endings of the chamber.
When the decay reaches the pulp of your tooth, the fleshy mass will be infected. Also, veins from your jaw depend on a healthy chamber.
10 Symptoms That You Needing a Root Canal
These signs include:
1. Severe Pain in Your Tooth
At Charm Dental—Spring, our patients often complain about sharp pain when their teeth are under pressure.
The tooth pain is a warning sign. The pulp chamber of your tooth contains blood vessels and nerve endings that might be under pressure due to tooth decay. In addition, if you have a broken or cracked tooth, the decomposition of that tooth can have a similar effect.
2. Swelling in the Gums
Suffering from swollen gum might indicate an early infection stage at your tooth’s root. On the other hand, swelling might accompany inflammation, but it shows that the blood flow between your tooth’s pulp and jaw vessels is off.
Also, when an infection blocks the junctions of the veins, the swelling will become more noticeable when you feel it in your mouth. Also, you’ll feel it along with the point where your jaw and gums meet.
3 . Experiencing Tooth Discoloration
Bacteria find a breeding ground in a dead tooth. Infection from a pulp chamber of a dead tooth is very likely, and the only way to take care of it is through a root canal. So when your tooth starts appearing black or grey, it is expected to die.
When you experience physical trauma, the blood vessels in your tooth’s pulp chamber can rupture. If you notice your tooth darkening after a hit, contact our Spring endodontics specialist to resolve your problem.
4. Trauma to The Jaw
In case of trauma to the jaw, when you have an open wound exposed to open air, bacteria might set in and reach the teeth when an infection goes untreated for too long. Blood vessels are found along the jaw to the tooth through the formed root canal and into the pulp chamber.
Infections in the veins in your jaw and the root canal can have a similar effect as decaying in the dentin and your tooth’s root veins. Trauma in the jaw can be a severe bodily injury, so you should seek emergency dental care or come for root canal therapy and follow up with your dentist until your jaw is healed.
5 . Discoloration of the Gums
Infections at the roots of your teeth can manifest as gum discolouration. For example, you might notice some darker patches than the rest of the shade of your gums. That is a symptom you might need a root canal. Also, discolouration can occur when infiltrated plaque or restricted blood flow at the pulp layer of the affected teeth.
6 . Extreme Tooth Sensitivity
Less pain in your tooth and experiencing tooth sensitivity can be a blurry line. However, if your tooth is suddenly susceptible to cold or hot foods, you might need to go for a root canal near you. When the pulp chamber suffers from an infection, its nerves can overreact to heat with a lingering effect.
7 . Tender and Swollen Gums
Tenderness or Swelling in the gums near a specific tooth can indicate an underlying infection. This may be accompanied by pain, pus formation, or a small bump on the gums, signalling an abscess. These symptoms often suggest a developing root canal infection.
8 . Chipped or Cracked Tooth
A chipped or cracked tooth can expose the pulp chamber, making it vulnerable to bacteria and infection. If left untreated, this can lead to severe pain and further damage, making a root canal procedure necessary to remove the infected tissue and prevent further complications.
9. Deep Decay
When left untreated, a cavity can progress beyond the enamel and dentin, reaching the pulp chamber. Once decay penetrates this deep, an infection can develop, causing persistent pain and sensitivity. At this stage, a root canal treatment is often the best solution to save the tooth and stop the spread of infection.
10. Tooth Damage
Physical trauma to the mouth, whether from an accident, fall, or sports injury, can damage the inner structure of a tooth. Even if the outer tooth appears intact, internal damage may lead to infection, making a root canal necessary to prevent further deterioration.
Get Expert Root Canal Treatment
At Charm Dental Care, our specialists provide gentle and effective root canal therapy to restore oral health. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with us today!
Conclusion
Understanding the root canal symptoms can help you take timely action to protect your dental health. Ignoring signs like severe pain, swelling, discolouration, or prolonged sensitivity can lead to complications that require more extensive treatment.
A root canal is a highly effective procedure that alleviates pain, eliminates infection, and saves your natural tooth. If you notice any concerning symptoms, it is essential to consult a dentist promptly. Early intervention can prevent the spread of infection and ensure long-term oral health.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1.What Are The Signs Of Needing Endodontic Treatment?
Signs include severe tooth pain, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, tender or swollen gums, a pimple-like bump, and tooth discolouration on the gums. If you experience these symptoms, a root canal may be necessary.
Q2. How Do I Know If I Need A Root Canal?
A dentist can determine if you need a root canal procedure through an exam and X-rays. Persistent pain, deep decay, or an infected tooth pulp indicate that endodontic treatment is required.
Q3. What Happens If You Don’t Get A Root Canal?
If left untreated, an infected tooth can lead to severe pain, swelling, abscess formation, and loss. The infection may also spread to other body parts, causing more serious health complications.
Q4. How Much Does A Root Canal Cost Without Insurance?
The cost varies depending on the tooth and severity of infection, ranging from $700 to $1,500 per tooth. Molars tend to be more expensive due to their complexity. Many dental offices offer payment plans to make the procedure more affordable.
