TL;DR
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- Root canal treatment removes infection from the tooth pulp while also saving your natural tooth as much as possible.
- Common symptoms include:
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- Persistent and severe tooth pain
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods
- Swollen or red gums
- Discolored tooth (might look a little gray)
- Cracks, chipped or other damage to the tooth
- It’s important to get treatment at the right time because it helps treat infection before things get worse and lead to severe complications like tooth and bone loss.
- During a root canal, the dentist gives local anesthesia to numb the area. The infected pulp is removed, the canals are cleaned and sealed, a temporary filling is placed, and finally, a crown or permanent filling is added to protect the tooth structure.
- Root canal procedures are usually not painful, all thanks to modern dental tools and techniques and anesthesia.
- Root canals have a 90-97% success rate.
How to Know If You Need a Root Canal?
Each tooth has a hard outer layer called enamel, a middle layer called dentin and a soft inner core known as the pulp. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue, which keep the tooth alive and healthy. When bacteria reach this inner pulp, often through deep decay, cracks or injury, the pulp can become inflamed, infected or even die. This not only causes discomfort but can also threaten the tooth’s survival. To prevent further damage and save the tooth, our experts at University Ave Dental often recommend a root canal.
Now, you may wonder how to recognize if your pulp is infected and whether you need this treatment. Fortunately, there are clear root canal symptoms, and that is exactly what we will explore next.
What are the Signs That You Need a Root Canal?
Identifying the signs you need a root canal can prompt you to seek timely dental care to alleviate discomfort and prevent further complications. Here are a few telltale signs that a root canal is needed:
1. Persistent and Severe Tooth Pain
One of the most telltale signs of a root canal is severe and persistent tooth pain. This pain is often different from your typical tooth pain as it goes beyond normal discomfort and causes a throbbing and sharp sensation.
It may be induced by chewing, biting, or even a slight pressure on your tooth. Unlike an occasional ache in your tooth, a pain that persists for an extended period is a sign that should not be ignored.
2. Sensitivity to Temperature
Have you suddenly noticed increased sensitivity in one or more of your teeth? Does eating hot or cold food cause tingling in your gums? This sensitivity is also one of the more common root canal symptoms.
If the tingling sensation persists, it can be a sign of potential nerve damage or infection in one of your teeth. Usually, nerve damage in the tooth is caused when the protective layer or enamel around the tooth is compromised.
3. Swelling in Gums
Swollen gums are another sign that a root canal is needed. Swelling occurs due to inflammation, which is the body’s natural response to an infection or irritation in your tooth. Sometimes, you may also notice redness or tenderness and, in more severe cases, a bump may also be visible.
4. Tooth Discoloration
If you suddenly notice the color of your tooth changing to a grayish shade, it could be a sign of internal decay in your tooth. Tooth discoloration occurs when the pulp inside your tooth becomes infected or dies.
Due to the breakdown of internal nerves and tissues in the pulp, the tooth may darken over time. Although tooth discoloration may be due to certain foods or beverages, persistent darkening indicates a dental issue.
5. Damaged Tooth
A cracked or fractured tooth indicates structural damage, which allows bacteria to penetrate and cause infection, leading to pain. Even if your tooth is not visibly cracked, even a minute hairline fracture in your teeth can lead to nerve damage. If left untreated, this can lead to a root canal or tooth loss.
If you notice any of these root canal symptoms, getting treatment should be your next step. Our dentists are here to listen to you and explain, and help you understand your treatment options.
What to Expect During a Root Canal?
Root canals may sound stressful, but they are actually one of the most routine procedures a dentist does. According to the American Association of Endodontists, more than 41,000 root canals are done every day in the US, with a 90-97% success rate.
Here’s what happens when you get a root canal procedure:
- Your dentist will begin by numbing the area around your tooth with local anesthesia so that you are comfortable during the procedure. You might feel slight pressure, but that is normal and nothing to be worried about.
- Once your anesthesia is active, the dentist will drill a small opening or hole in your tooth, and they will start by removing the infected pulp using dental files.
- The inside of the tooth (canal) is cleaned and disinfected. In case your infection is severe, they also put some medication to get rid of the bacteria and prevent the chances of any re-infection.
- The empty canal is filled with a rubber-like filling material called gutta-percha, and then the open surface of the tooth is closed with a temporary filling.
- The treatment is finally complete after your dentist has finished placing a crown or permanent filling to protect the structure and appearance of the tooth.
Conclusion
Catching the root canal symptoms early can make all the difference between saving your tooth and losing it. At University Ave Dental, our team of expert dentists is committed to making root canal treatments as painless and comfortable as possible. With gentle care and quality restorative dentistry, our aim is to protect your natural teeth and restore your smile.
If you have any signs or simply want to rule out a root canal, schedule an appointment with our dentist in blaine and take the first step towards a healthy smile.
You can contact us at +1 763-784-1242 or visit our practice at 10155 University Ave NE, Suite #112, Blaine, MN 55434, United States.
FAQS
What are the signs that indicate I might need a root canal?
You might need one if you have pain that won’t go away, sensitivity to hot or cold food, swollen gums or the infected tooth looks gray, and also if your tooth is cracked or broken.
Can a toothache alone mean I need a root canal?
Some deep cavities and gum problems can also give you mild toothaches. But if your pain doesn’t go away and feels severe and throbbing, you should get it checked.
What happens if I delay my root canal treatment?
Since your tooth is infected, and you delay treatment, the infection can spread beyond your roots and cause abscesses and bone loss, which would eventually lead to a loss of the infected tooth.
How long does the treatment take?
A routine root canal procedure takes about 60-90 minutes per session, and depending on your tooth and the severity, you might need multiple sessions. Thanks to the advancement in dentistry, many dentists also offer single-sitting root canal treatments these days.
Is a root canal more painful than a tooth extraction?
Now with modern techniques and the use of local anesthesia, root canals are not as painful.
