Have you recently been told that you might need root canal therapy? This can sometimes be surprising news, especially if you aren’t even feeling any pain in your smile. While discomfort may be one of the most notable signs that the treatment is necessary, your dentist may have other reasons to recommend the procedure. Read on to learn six common indications that a root canal is required!
#1: Throbbing Tooth Pain
This is one of the major signs that something is off with your tooth’s root. If you feel intense discomfort while eating or drinking, you’ll need to visit your dentist right away for treatment. They’ll assess your situation, detect if your nerves or blood vessels have been affected by an infection, and provide antibiotics to stop the spread. This may also involve doing a root canal to remove the decayed, damaged, or infected tissue inside to alleviate the discomfort.
#2: Chipped or Cracked Tooth
Your pearly whites can become chipped or cracked when eating hard foods or during contact sporting events. When this happens, the nerves beneath your tooth enamel can become exposed, increasing the risk of infection. Not only can the harmful bacteria ruin the tooth, but they can also enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of your body. A root canal can put a stop to this process.
#3: Persistent Sensitivity
Teeth can typically be sensitive to hot or cold temperatures from drinks and foods. However, if this sensation persists or worsens over time, it can be a sign that your pearly whites are severely infected. By getting a root canal, you can contain the contamination and relieve tooth sensitivity.
#4: Swelling in the Gums
If your gums have throbbing pain and are swollen, then your dentist will need to take a look as soon as possible. They may determine that the inflammation is indicative of an issue beneath the surface, and this may require a root canal to treat it. If left unchecked, the problem can become bigger and spread to other areas of your mouth and body.
#5: Dark Tooth Discoloration
Other than exposure to stain-causing foods/drinks and poor hygiene, tooth discoloration can also be due to nerve damage beneath the surface. When damage occurs in your nerves or blood vessels, you’ll need to seek treatment right away to prevent any spread of bacteria. Your dentist may recommend a root canal to remove the injured roots.
#6: Severe Tooth Decay
Should you notice deep decay in your pearly whites, it may need way beyond proper oral hygiene to fix it. Untreated cavities can spread to the nerves and root of the teeth. At that point, a root canal may be your only option to save and restore your smile.
Even if you suspect that you’ll need a root canal due to any of these symptoms, you won’t have to worry about your treatment. Your dental professional will do everything they can to make sure you’re comfortable and safe while undergoing the necessary procedure to preserve your pearly whites!
About the Author
Dr. Austin Amos earned his dental doctorate from the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston. He’s also a member of several groups like the Academy of General Dentists and the Texas Dental Association. He offers a wide range of high-quality treatments, including root canal therapy to save a tooth. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call 972-625-4746.