A root canal is a procedure that dentists can perform to stop infection inside a tooth by removing its pulp, or the material in the center of a tooth. Since teeth are made of enamel and other hard materials, they do not swell up to warn you that an infection might be present, like other areas of the body might. You should know the symptoms that indicate the need for a root canal, so you can seek treatment promptly.
A tooth may fall victim to decay that can be fixed with a filling or crown, but a root canal could be the only way to save a tooth when infection sets in. Signs that indicate that a root canal may be necessary include the following.
Many people describe the pain of an infected tooth as one of the worst that they have ever felt, primarily because it does not usually respond to over-the-counter pain medicines. It can be hard to sleep or eat, and the pain may be constant or come in waves. Tooth pain that interferes with a person’s daily life should be addressed by a dentist immediately.
Teeth may be temporarily sensitive to heat, cold, or certain foods when a specific triggering event occurs, such as biting into ice cream or eating immediately after a whitening treatment. This surprising jolt usually subsides a few moments after the trigger.
However, if tooth sensitivity continues for a long time after a triggering event or a particular tooth has suddenly become sensitive, it is time to visit the dentist. The nerves inside an infected tooth may be falling victim to infection and are often inflamed, thereby responding more aggressively to formerly minor stimuli.
A tooth’s inner chamber (the pulp) is connected to the gums and eventually, the jawbone. If an infection progresses far enough to exit the tooth’s pulp chamber, it can also cause swelling and abscesses in the surrounding gums. Inflammation, bumps, or unusual redness in the gums around a specific tooth are always worth visiting a dental professional for an exam.
Once an infection begins, teeth have few options for combatting it. As the formerly healthy inside of a tooth decays, it can start to change color. Discolored teeth that turn brown, black, gray, or dark yellow are likely dying and need immediate attention.
Patients may notice that their tooth is not necessarily discolored but is still lacking its former luster. This can occur as the infection cuts off the blood supply inside the tooth. Any unusual changes to teeth warrant a dental visit.
An infection inside a tooth can be uncomfortable, but it does not have to mean losing the tooth entirely. A root canal can save the tooth by eliminating the infection while preserving the tooth’s structure and roots. Contact our office if you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have concerns about how your mouth is feeling.
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