When it comes to oral surgery, most patients are less than thrilled to have this recommendation. But a root canal procedure makes it possible for many of us to avoid complete tooth or teeth extraction. When you visit your dentist for a regular checkup, they may find early signs that a root canal is needed. If you may have an accident that causes tooth decay or damage, you might need an emergency root canal. However, there might be signs that you notice before that indicate detrimental tooth decay.
What are the Signs?
Intense Sensitivity
Many of us deal with sensitive gums or teeth, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you need a root canal. But if you have pain that remains for an extended period of time and persists, you may want to schedule a checkup. Really hot and cold foods can send a sharp pain or uncomfortable feeling in parts of your mouth. If this feeling doesn’t fade once the foods have left the mouth, you might have a problem.
Extreme Tooth Pain
Tooth or teeth pain is one of the first warnings that root canal therapy may be necessary. There are types of tooth pain that have other causes. If your pain increases with minor pressure from biting down or eating food, you might need to see a dentist.
Inflamed Gums
Although your teeth and nerves are typically more symptomatic of tooth decay, your gums can give responses of inflammation and swelling. In most of these cases, your gums are intensely painful. They may even have a raised bump, or sinus that indicates infection.
Tooth Discoloration
The pulp of the tooth contains all of the nerves and blood vessels. If it begins to decay because of injury or damage, the tooth essentially dies. A dying tooth becomes discolored because of the lack of blood flow. This can be resolved with a root canal, if caught in time.
Cracked Tooth or Teeth
Now this isn’t necessarily a sign of infection, but it will most certainly lead to infection if it is not addressed. If you accidentally chomp down on something hard and the tooth is cracked too deeply, we most definitely will need a root canal to prevent the decay of that tooth and infection of the root.
