Are you experiencing issues with one of your teeth and not sure what is going on? It's worth visiting a dentist to have the tooth inspected because it's possible that you may need a root canal. Here are a few signs that can help indicate that the problem you have may require a root canal to fix.
Persistent Pain
One of the key signs that you need a root canal is if the pain and discomfort are persistent. It is not the type of pain that is going to come and go on some days, since infected pulp within a tooth typically causes pain that is intense and constant. There is some sort of inflammation that is going on in the tooth, and a root canal is the best way to get rid of the infection so that you can feel comfortable again.
Hot Or Cold Sensitivity
Pay attention to how the tooth feels when you expose it to hot or cold temperatures, such as when you are eating ice cream or drinking hot coffee. A tooth with infected pulp tends to be more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures in some way. This sensitivity is also going to be consistent, much like you would experience pain and discomfort.
Tender Or Swollen Gums
Take a close look at what is happening with your gums around the tooth that is causing you problems. That infected pulp tends to cause a lot of inflammation, which is potentially due to an infection. This can cause your gums to look a bit swollen on the outside, as well as feel tender when you touch it. It's a clear indication that something is happening beneath the surface level of your gums and that you should have a dentist check it out.
Discolored Tooth
The need for a root canal can also be indicated by the color of the problematic tooth. If the pulp inside the tooth is dead or damaged, the tooth can actually change in color and become dark as a result. While tooth discoloration can happen due to a variety of reasons, be concerned when it is accompanied by other symptoms previously mentioned.
Gum Abscess
An abscess on your gums can take the appearance of a bump or pimple that is small in size. This problem indicates that the tooth has some sort of infection that is showing itself on the surface of the gums, which is a clear sign that a root canal is necessary to clear up that infection.
Contact a dentist to learn more about root canals.
Share21 February 2023
Hi, my name is Kevin Nelson and I want to tell you about my experience. I had a painful tooth so I went to see my dentist. After the examination, he said that I needed to have a root canal to save the tooth. I told the dentist to just pull the tooth instead and then he explained why that wasn't a good idea. He said that pulling the tooth would cause additional problems and then he told me what could happen. I didn't want any more problems, so the dentist did the root canal and I'm glad that he did. I wanted to write a blog to tell others about the benefits of a root canal and what to expect during the procedure. I hope that by getting the word out, other people won't make the same mistake that I almost did by getting a perfectly good tooth pulled.