Four Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Root canal: Does the very thought of one cause you anxiety?

If your answer was "yes," there are others like you. Like many people, you may suspect that dentists just like going all medieval on their patients sometimes. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The American Dentists Association banned medieval practices a while back and they even frown upon the use of leeches now.

Seriously though, a root canal can save an infected tooth from a tooth extraction. A dentist will use a root canal to remove infected tissue from the inner tooth while leaving the outer tooth intact.

Why would a person need a root canal?

Each tooth is made of three parts: The hard, outer part of the tooth is called the enamel. Under the enamel lies the dentine. And under the dentine lies the pulp, the innermost part of the tooth. For whatever reason, the pulp can become infected.

This infection can damage or kill the nerves and soft tissues of the pulp. The resulting disease is known as pulpitis. Dentists treat irreversible pulpitis by using a root canal procedure to remove the infection from the inner tooth.

Now, how would a person know if they need a root canal? The following signs should help.

Four signs that indicate you may need a root canal

1. A toothache

If a tooth has a serious problem, it will let its owner know. The tooth pain associated with an infected pulp has a number of distinct qualities:

In the early stages of pulpitis, the pain will be mild and occasional. It will manifest as tooth sensitivity or random little aches that only last a short while. As the infection gets worse, the person will feel pain as they eat and unlike normal tooth sensitivity, the pain will linger. Eventually, the infection creates pressure in the tooth as it tries to push its way out. At this point, the person will feel intense, throbbing pain that will not go away.

2. Inflamed gums

The symptoms of pulpitis are felt in the tooth as well as the surrounding gum. The gums will become painful and swollen. If the pulpitis results in a dental abscess, a person will notice a small bump on the gums near the affected tooth.

In the worst case scenario, pus will start to ooze from the gums.

3. Pronounced changes in the mouth

As the pulp dies, the tooth may take on a dark, grey color. The gum may become so swollen that the face will swell up as well.

4. Fever

As the body fights the infection, a person will experience fever and swollen lymph nodes. These signs should warn a person that the infection is finding its way into the bloodstream. They should go to the doctor or dentist immediately.

Visit the dentist

A root canal will take away all your pain and discomfort. Thanks to anesthetics, it is a simple and pain-free procedure that will leave you feeling as good as new afterward. If you notice signs that indicate you may need a root canal, come and see one of our dentists today.

You will feel so much better afterward.

Let's get started…

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