Need a Root Canal - How to Tell | Southpoint Family Dentistry

Having an aching tooth can be one of the most traumatic experiences, especially if you are unfamiliar with the cause of the pain. While it’s possible that your tooth pain is nothing more than a larger cavity, there are times when a more serious dental problem, such as a dental infection, is to blame. Cases like these may require a root canal procedure.

But how might you know whether you need this treatment?

What is a Root Canal

A root canal is the innermost section of a tooth that contains the nerve tissue, blood vessels, and other cells that make up the dental pulp. A ‘root canal’ treatment is an endodontic therapy that means ‘inside the tooth.’ It involves an endodontic procedure that addresses the inflamed or infected tissue in the pulp. In simpler terms, the procedure alleviates pain and prevents or delays the need for extraction.

Severe and Persistent Toothache

Constant pain when you chew or bite could be a major indicator that something is wrong. You might feel the pain deep in your tooth, jaw, or even face. If the pain does not subside with over-the-counter pain relievers or home remedies, it could mean the infection is persistent, which
may lead to further oral and systemic health issues.

Seeking a dentist’s help immediately could improve your chances of saving the tooth and avoiding complications.

Increased Sensitivity to Hot and Cold

Everyone experiences some degree of sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures from time to time. However, if the sensation lingers after some time (15-20 seconds mor more), it could indicate damage or trauma to the nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth. It is one of the early indicators that you should not ignore to have a timely root canal treatment.

Swollen or Tender Gums

An infection can cause the gums and bone surrounding a tooth to inflame, which can also show up in the form of an abscess on the gums of the affected tooth. If left untreated, this can cause swelling or tenderness in the area. It could also leave a foul taste in your mouth or even spread to other parts leading to more serious dental issues.

Discoloration of the Tooth

Severe tooth decay (with or without nerve involvement) can be identified with the discoloration of the tooth to gray or black. This occurs because there is no nutrient supply to help maintain its health. The darkening can be due to internal bleeding or dead tissue within the tooth, indicating that it needs attention. This process can be gradual, and you might not notice it right away. It is often asymptomatic as well further complicating assessment. Having a regular visit to your dentist can help you spot any differences earlier.

Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the outcome of your dental procedure and reduce the amount of time in discomfort. If you’re in Durham, NC, our team at Southpoint Family Dentistry will guide you through the process and review your options.