A root canal is a dental treatment solution intended for treating and saving a tooth that has become very unhealthy or troubled. Early detection of any of this root canal symptom helps you get treatment for them before the condition gets worse or complications arise.
Introduction
When it comes to common dental procedures, Root canal therapy is considered one of the most dreaded due to its perceived pain despite it being an important procedure needed for treating severely infected or damaged teeth.
This blog will present to you the most frequent signs that will lead you to the root canal symptomprocedure to ensure you are an informed patient and great about your oral health.
Here are the key indicators that you might need a root canal:
Persistent Pain
Some of the most common symptoms that may force you make an application for root canal therapy include pain. This discomfort may be mild and persistent, or sever at some times but may also improve when you take a bite or apply pressure at the affected tooth.
The pain is usually presented by an infection or inflammation in the pulp region of the tooth, which is the living tissue of the tooth consisting of nerves and blood vessels. If you have such a consistent discomfort in your teeth that cannot be cured, then you should consult your dentist.
Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
There are many signs that signify that you might need a root canal alternative such as discomfort when exposed to hot and cold temperatures. If you experience sensitivity when taking food and beverages like hot coffee or ice cream.
Its sensitivity withdrawal usually persists even after the extreme temperature stimulus is withdrawn, this could be a sign of a sick nerve in the tooth. It can also be indicative to the fact that the pulp of the tooth may be infected and may require an endodontic treatment in order to remove the cause of the pain.
Tooth Discoloration
There are several causes of discoloration of a tooth with one of the common signs being a dark or grayish coloration of the tooth, which is as a result of a nerve damage or decay within the teeth. Damage to them creates a pathology when the pulp is dead, which is also reflected in a change in color.
In the event that you experience discoloration to a large extent especially when there are additional signs of pain or any kind of sensitivity you will need to visit your dental practitioner to check and find out if you will be in need of a root canal.
Swelling and Tenderness
Pain and inflammation of the gums enclosing the concerned tooth is a symptom indicating an infection and that would entail a root canal treatment. The form of the swelling can be slight to severe and may present with a lock that can be felt via palpation.
These symptoms are normally a result of the natural inflammatory response in the body to infection within the tooth. If the gums are inflamed and you feel tenderness that has not reduced that you should visit the dentist for care to avoid spreading the disease.
Persistent or Recurring Gum Abscess
An abscessed gum which is a pus-filled sac in the gum close to the tooth root is evidence of an infection. If you have a repeat abscess, it means the infection has not cleared and gone deeper into the tooth.
Some of the common symptoms of an abscess are pain in the affected area, swelling, foul breath and even a foul taste. Using a root canal, the source of the infection can be eliminated, and the possibility of the abscess recurring is minimized.
Deep Decay or Extensive Dental Work
This is because, when a tooth has root canal symptom, deep caries, or has had previous extensive dental procedures like fillings, crowns, or other restorative dental procedures it becomes more vulnerable to infections.
Decomposition may extend to the pulp of the tooth and leads to inflammation or infection of the pulp and this will require a root canal treatment to save the tooth. Also, protracted operations on the teeth can result in their weakening, which also means the identical problem as with root canal.
Cracked or Fractured Tooth
A cracked or fractured tooth can give microbes direct access to the pulp, infecting it. When we have a crack we must know that it originated from trauma, biting an object, tooth grinding or other similar conditions.
In the worst scenario where the crack reaches deeper into the tooth, it can reach the nerve and may need a root canal treatment for an abscess or infection. You should seek dental attention if you develop a tender gum or toothache after eating food or if you observe any crack.
Loose Tooth
Loosening of a tooth may also be an indication of some severe destruction to the bone and other tissues surrounding it.
Whereas, loss of teeth are normal among children who are growing and shedding their baby teeth, in grownups, it has deeper connotations as far as dental health is concerned. Infection or inflammation of the pulp of the tooth may also compromise the structural support base and therefore the tooth feels like it is moving.
In some cases, a root canal may well be useful in saving the tooth since it deals with the infection and restores the stability of the tooth structure.
Conclusion
Knowing the indications that one needs to see a dentist for a root canal, can go a long way in enhancing oral health. Pain that continues even after eating or drinking hot or cold foods, discolored teeth, swollen gums, abscesses, deep cavities, cracked teeth, and loose teeth are some of the signs that indicate a severe problem with a tooth is present.
In case you experience any of the above symptoms, do not hesitate to consult a dental practitioner. Tooth care is essential as early intervention helps in preventing further issues.
