6 Common Signs When You Need A Root Canal
Article by: Jessica Smith
A root canal is a special dental procedure that aims at treating a tooth that has undergone severe infection. Before you get to know more about the root canal, you need to understand that a tooth has various parts that carry specific functions. One of these parts is the pulp of the tooth. That is the layer found inside the tooth beneath both dentin and enamel.
Sometimes, bacteria infect the pulp, and without prompt treatment, it may end up destroying your tooth. The only way to fix such a problem is by getting a root canal. You should, however, know that some people find it hard to understand various instances when it is ideal to get a root canal therapy. This is why the information below contains six common signs that indicate you need root canal therapy.
Persistence toothache
By now, you should be aware that there are various reasons for pain, including gum disease, cavity, damaged filling, and sinus illness, among others. But then, the underlying toothache often subsides after some time or after taking painkillers. This is, however, not the case when you need a root canal. Such pain tends to emanate from within the tooth. It also ends up getting worse every day. The only way to be sure that you need a root canal is to visit a dentist. He or she will examine the root cause of the pain and determine the right cause of action. It is so far among the most common signs that you need a root canal.
Halitosis
Halitosis is what many people refer to as bad breath. You need first to wash or rinse your mouth thoroughly. If there is persistent bad breath, then you should know it is coming from within your tooth. The only way to stop such a problem is by getting a root canal that will do away with the bacteria. Once you undergo the procedure, you should have fresh breath as soon as you rinse or clean your mouth. Remember, if the doctor doesn’t see a reason to give you a root canal, he or she may recommend the use of a particular mouth wash.
Discoloration of the affected tooth
If you start noticing your tooth decolorizing for no apparent reason, then you should see a dentist for you to know if you need a root canal. That usually happens when the pulp undergoes severe damage. Once that happens, the tooth is unable to get adequate blood supply, and that makes it exhibit a black or greyish color. The discoloration will persist until you get proper treatment. To be sure of how to engage, the doctor will have to use a dental CT scanner to have a good look at the tooth layout. He or she will then know whether you need a root canal.
A cracked tooth
You may also require to undergo root canal therapy if you find yourself with a cracked or chipped tooth. It may be due to contact sports or an accident. At first, you may not feel pain, but the problem is that bacteria will start building inside the crack. Doing so will end up causing tooth infection and inflammation. The only way to stop such a scenario from happening is to visit a dental practitioner who may recommend a root canal. It is usually a very common sign for a root canal.
Inflamed gums
Gum inflammation is also one of the many indications that you should get a root canal. That happens due to the availability of dead pulp tissues in the gums. Different people feel differently once their gums swell. Some will feel pain touching the area while others will only feel the tenderness. Either way, once that happens, you need to visit a dental practitioner to find out if you need a root canal. The condition may also lead to a pimple on the gum, a condition some people refer to as parulis or gum boil.
Tooth sensitivity
A sensitive tooth can also indicate that you need a root canal. With such sensitivity, you will end up feeling pain whenever you consume cold or hot foods. That includes things like ice, hot coffee, hot tea, and cold drinks. You will first start experiencing a distant pain and later, a sharp and unbearable pain. The ordeal may persist or subside with time. Such a feeling may mean that you need a root canal. To be sure, visit a dentist, explain what you are feeling, and have him or her examine your tooth.
The above signs may mean that you need a root canal. That should, however, not be your conclusion to make. Once you come across such problems, you need to see a dentist to be sure. All the signs emanate from the pulp of your tooth. It is the point that once damaged, inflamed, or gets a short supply of nutrients, your tooth exhibits the above signs.
