Most people do not get up in the morning with the thought that they are going to need a root canal. In fact, it’s one of the most misunderstood dental procedures out there. It is often thought of as painful and uncomfortable; however, this is not always the case. Today, root canal therapy is used to avoid a more serious issue and save the natural tooth where possible, while also being used for pain relief and to kill infection.
The problem is that many people don’t pay attention to the warning signs until they can no longer be ignored. Today’s mild sensitivity may develop into a serious infection in the future and cause tooth loss if not treated.
The important thing is to know what to look for. The following are seven common symptoms that could signal it’s time to seek out an evaluation for root canal treatment.
What Is a Root Canal Treatment?
Each tooth has soft tissue inside called pulp containing nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. If the pulp becomes inflamed or infected because of deep decay, trauma, multiple dental procedures or cracks in the tooth, a root canal might be needed to help remove the infection and keep the tooth.
The process involves cleaning and disclosing the inside of the tooth, rather than removing the entire tooth, and then sealing and restoring the tooth. Today’s root canal therapy is a very successful process that will help alleviate pain while leaving your smile the same tooth.
1. Persistent Tooth Pain
One of the most obvious early warnings is when the pain in your tooth persists and just doesn’t go away.
The pain may:
- Feel through the tooth to the bottom
- Repeat going in and out several times
- Get worse when chewing food
- Spread into the jaw, ear or other teeth.
- Intensify when lying down
While not all toothaches will need a root canal, if the toothache persists or recurs, it should never be ignored. If left untreated, an infected pulp can get worse.
2. Lingering Sensitivity to Hot or Cold
Some minor discomfort is to be expected at times. If the pain continues after the stimulation of heat or cold, however, it may mean damage to the nerves inside the tooth, which would warrant further evaluation.
Watch for:
- Burning pain from hot drinks
- Persistent pain following cold
- The sensitivity will be raised over time
- Increasing pain that does not get better
If the tooth is sensitive for a long time, it may indicate an inflammatory or infected pulp.
3. Pain When Biting or Chewing
Chewing can suddenly cause discomfort and your tooth might be saying something.
Pain on biting pressure could be caused by:
- The pulp is inflamed
- The root is infected
- Surrounding tissues are irritated
- There is a crack in the tooth
For some patients, discomfort is just when eating, for others, it is if the pressure is put on the affected tooth.
4. Swollen or Tender Gums
An infected tooth does not necessarily remain within the tooth. The gum tissue around the area may start to respond, too.
Possible symptoms include:
- Enlarged area around a single tooth
- Sore gums to touch
- Redness or inflammation
- Localized soreness
Occasionally, the swelling subsides, and the patient thinks that the problem is gone, but the infection is actually still present.
5. A Small Pimple or Bump on the Gum
If you notice a recurrent bump in the shape of a pimple on the gum, it is best to have it assessed by a professional.
This little bump, commonly referred to as a dental abscess or gum boil, can:
- Give an unpleasant taste
- Cause persistent bad breath
- Reappear and vanish many times
It may cause the skin to be drained, and may appear nonthreatening, but it typically indicates infection and needs treatment, not observation.
6. Tooth Discoloration
If the blood supply to the inner pulp is cut off or if the inner pulp is infected, it can turn this tooth a different color over time.
The tooth may look like one of the following:
- Gray
- Dark yellow
- Brownish
- Less shiny than adjacent teeth
Discoloured teeth can occur for a number of reasons, but when it does, it’s important to seek out the dentist’s attention as soon as possible, particularly if it causes pain or sensitivity.
7. A Chipped or Cracked Tooth
Not all of the cracks will cause pain, but if a small crack does occur, bacteria may penetrate into the inner pulp of the tooth, causing pain.
Common causes include:
- Sports injuries
- Falls
- Biting hard foods
- Teeth grinding
- Previous trauma
If the crack cannot be seen, it is possible for bacteria to enter the pulp and cause infection. Prompt action can help to avoid further damage later.
Don’t Wait Until the Pain Becomes Severe
But one interesting fact about dental infections is that they do not always cause a constant pain. Symptoms may be extremely mild in some people, or severe in some with little or no discomfort.
Failure to diagnose these symptoms leads to the bacteria spreading further into the tooth and tissues and the treatment becomes more complex and may result in the loss of the tooth.
The sooner your natural tooth is identified the sooner you can find relief from discomfort before complications arise, and the sooner you can save your natural tooth.
How Is a Root Canal Performed?
Most patients are amazed at the comfort of today’s root canal treatment.
This will usually include:
- Using local anesthesia to numb the area
- Treating infected or broken pulp
- Cleaning and disinfecting of the root canals
- Filling and sealing the area
- Placing a permanent filling and/or crown over the tooth
Today’s techniques and technology make root canals similar to getting a normal filling.
Protect Your Smile with Early Care
Any pain that lasts for more than 24 hours, or sensitivity, swelling, or changes in tooth color should never be ignored. The sooner it is diagnosed, the sooner you can be treated, and the better your chance of saving your natural tooth.
At Rosenthal Family Dentistry, the care of the patient is always first priority, and so is ensuring their oral health for the long term. If you’ve been experiencing any of these symptoms, an early visit to your dentist can help you get answers, ease pain, and save your smile for years.
