There are many symptoms that may be indications that you need a root canal. Root canals are procedures that are done to try and save a tooth that has been damaged. Specifically, root canals are used when a tooth’s tooth pulp (also called a tooth’s nerve) gets exposed to bacteria and becomes inflamed as a result. The purpose of a root canal is to remove the infection from the tooth and protect it from further microbial contamination.
While many root canal recipients tend to have many of the same symptoms leading up to their procedure, the best way to be sure that you need a root canal is to visit your dentist. Your dentist will be able to tell you whether you need a root canal, an extraction, or some other procedure. The following are common symptoms of tooth damage that may require a root canal.
1) Chronic Tooth Pain
One of the most common symptoms of tooth pulp damage is chronic tooth pain. If your tooth is constantly hurting or has been hurting on and off for a long period of time, this could be an indication of nerve damage. The pain can come from deep in your jaw or radiate from your teeth’s roots. Chronic pain in your teeth can also be attributed to other tooth issues including gum disease or cavities. Visiting the dentist will help to decipher what the exact problem is with your teeth.
2) Tooth Discoloration
Another common symptom of tooth nerve inflammation is tooth discoloration. While tooth discoloration may have other causes, a disintegration of the root tissue can cause a tooth to turn a grayish-black color. If there is an infection of the tooth, blood supply to the tooth can dwindle causing discoloration.
3) A Recent Cracked Tooth
If you have recently had a cracked, broken, or chipped tooth due to sports or some other type of accident, you may be in need of a root canal. If your tooth was not properly taken care of after the injury, then bacteria could have settled into the cracks, causing an infection. Even if the tooth did not crack on impact, it is important to have it checked out because the nerve could become inflamed. It is so important to get your teeth checked out if you have had a recent blow to your mouth.
4) Sensitivity
If your tooth is extremely sensitive to hot or cold foods, that may be an indication that you need a root canal. When your mouth comes in contact with different temperatures of foods, your mouth could experience a sharp or dull pain. If the pain persists even after you have stopped eating and drinking, you could be in need of a root canal.
5) Loose Tooth
It is normal to have loose teeth as a grade school student, as their adult teeth are growing in. However, if an adult is experiencing tooth mobility, that could be an indication of tooth nerve damage. If more than one tooth is loose, there is likely a different cause besides tooth pulp inflammation.
Do You Need A Root Canal?
If you have read this article and realized that you may be in need of a root canal, then it is important to get in touch with a dentist. We at Hendersonville Family Dentist offer quality services and specialize in providing root canal options. We have an experienced and knowledgeable team who would be more than happy to help you with your issue. For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, feel free to reach out to us today.