When you understand root canal symptoms, you have the potential to act quickly. First, though, it’s important to understand that a root canal is the actual procedure. It’s not the name of a condition.
Through root canal therapy, your dentist cleans out the decay in a tooth’s pulp and root. Teeth have a layer of enamel on the outside and a second layer of dentin below that. Those two protect the soft core of the tooth that extends into the root in the jawbone.
This core contains the dental pulp.
- Nerves
- Connective tissue
- Blood vessels
When decay reaches the core, it inflames and infects the pulp. In some cases, it even causes the pulp to become necrotic (dead). When this happens, you need a root canal to clean out the decay.
So, what are the signs that you need a root canal? Symptoms vary and often feel like other conditions. Read on to learn more about the telltale signs you may require a root canal.
What Is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal symptoms, as mentioned above, are a little tricky. Let’s take a look at the procedure first. This dental procedure is similar to a Roto-Rooter in a way. It cleans out the decay in order to preserve the infected tooth.
Here’s what your dentist does during root canal therapy.
- Extract the decay and bacteria from the pulp, root, and nerve
- Use antibiotics to disinfect the area
- Fill the empty space to preserve the structure
- Seal the area to prevent decay
Oftentimes, your general dentist has the experience to perform root canal therapy. However, some dentists refer patients to a specialist, an endodontist.
This treatment leaves your tooth in place and prevents additional decay. However, it makes the tooth more fragile. With this in mind, some dentists cover the tooth with a crown.
Root Canal Symptoms
Oftentimes, root canal symptoms have the potential to point to an array of issues. The only way to confirm whether you need a root canal is to visit your dentist.
Still, there are several signs to watch out for. When you notice these symptoms, book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you receive treatment, the better the outcome.
Persisting Pain
Persisting pain is one of the main signs that point to decay in the dental pulp. For some, it bothers them all the time. In other cases, it is intermittent but sure to return. Moreover, the location of the pain varies from deep in the bone to the face, jaw, or even other teeth.
However, tooth pain has an array of other causes.
- Cavities
- Gum disease
- Sinus infections
- Damaged fillings
- Impacted, infected tooth
No matter the cause, it’s a good idea to visit your dentist whenever you experience pain. This is especially true when it is consistent. Early diagnosis often leads to a better result.
Discoloration
In some cases, a dental infection causes discoloration in the tooth. In terms of root canal symptoms, necrotic tooth pulp has the potential to discolor a tooth.
Typically, this is much easier to notice in the front teeth. Oftentimes, this is from trauma or a breakdown of the tissue in the pulp. It tends to give the tooth a grayish-black appearance.
Like dental pain, it has many causes. See your dentist to find the underlying cause.
Sensitivity to Pressure and Temperature
When a tooth is sensitive to touch or while you eat, it potentially points to severe tooth decay or nerve damage. As root canal symptoms, they require treatment with therapy. This is especially true for persistent sensitivity.
Generally, the ligament around the tip of a tooth becomes sensitive after the pulp dies. The waster products have the potential to irritate the ligament. As such, it causes pain from the pressure.
If your tooth hurts when you eat something warm or have a cold glass of water, it’s another in our list of root canal symptoms. The pain varies from a sharp pain to a dull ache.
When the pain lingers over time, it’s a sign you may require root canal therapy. In some cases, it indicates that nerves and blood vessels sustained damage or an infection.
Swollen Gums
Swollen gums around the tooth are a sign that there’s an issue. As with other root canal symptoms, there are several potential causes. In some cases, the swelling even comes and goes.
This swelling results from acidic waster after pulp tissues die. Some patients even see an abscess form on the gums.
Chipped or Cracked Tooth
When you chip or crack a tooth in an accident, it’s possible for bacteria to set in. Generally, this causes inflammation and infection.
Even when you injure a tooth without a chip or a crack, there’s still possible to damage the nerves. In these cases, the nerve inflames, which causes pain and sensitivity. It may require root canal therapy to treat it.
Feeling Root Canal Symptoms?
Root canal symptoms range from pain and discomfort to discoloration. While it’s hard to know the cause without an examination, root canal therapy is not as scary as it once was.
When you experience persistent pain or any of the other symptoms listed above, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Your dentist has the ability to offer personalized care and treatment. After a thorough exam, we determine the correct course of action for our patients.
While the phrase “root canal” used to cause fear in many patients, there’s no specific pain from the procedure. In fact, most patients feel better soon after treatment.