Despite common fears, modern dental advancements have transformed root canals into nearly painless procedures. They are no longer a dreaded procedure that dental patients should fear.
Getting a root canal involves thoroughly cleaning tooth roots and pulp, followed by sealing the root chambers with biocompatible material. In some cases, the dentist may also use post-insertion and restorative material to support the tooth structure when necessary. Root canals effectively save teeth that would otherwise require extraction. But how do you know if you need one?
3 Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
Some dental patients who need a root canal won't experience any symptoms. Still, others will know immediately that something is wrong and they need to see a dentist right away. In most instances, there are three common signs that you might need a root canal:
Swelling
Dental swelling varies from subtle gumline tenderness to pronounced facial and neck swelling. Fluid drainage and soreness in the affected area might also accompany swelling, signaling a dental emergency. Addressing any swelling is crucial, as it serves to help determine the underlying problem. Swelling often indicates the need for potential dental work, including a root canal.
Tooth Pain
Tooth pain, though not exclusively indicative of needing a root canal, often accompanies this swelling. Typically throbbing in nature, dental pain might be noticeable during chewing, brushing, or otherwise touching or using the tooth. This type of pain can also indicate inflammation around your tooth's roots and the potential for internal decay of your dental pulp.
The pain's intensity might vary, changing with positional shifts, such as lying down or applying pressure. This root canal pain symptom can also be a constant toothache or go away and return periodically.
If you are experiencing spontaneous or persistent random tooth pain, it may be a sign of decaying nerves in your dental pulp. If you are experiencing tooth pain, seeing a dentist as soon as possible is crucial, as you don't want the problem to worsen.
Temperature Sensitivity
For some dental patients, new sensitivity to temperature, particularly extreme heat or cold, will be the only sign that they need a root canal. While temperature discomfort can range from mild to severe, it's important to tell your dentist about these changes as it may indicate the need for a root canal.
Other signs that you may need a root canal or should at the very least visit a dentist include:
- Sensitivity to sweets
- Pimple-like bumps on the gums surrounding the teeth
- Tooth discoloration
- Chronic bad breath
- A chipped or cracked tooth
Are You Experiencing These Concerning Symptoms or Others? Contact Jacobs and Thatcher Dentistry Today
Modern root canal treatments prioritize patient comfort and efficiency. With the latest technology and techniques, the dentists at Jacobs and Thatcher Dentistry aim to minimize anxiety, discomfort, bleeding, and healing time for root canals and all other dental procedures we perform. If you are experiencing swelling, pain, temperature sensitivity, or other concerning symptoms, don't hesitate to contact us immediately at 813-634-1932.