Tooth Trouble How to Know If a Root Canal Is Truly Necessary

Delaying going to the dentist for a tooth problem will only make it worse. Taking care of your mouth is just as important as getting regular medical checkups. Here are some signs that your tooth trouble may result in a root canal.

Severe Pain

Extreme pain when you are eating is not only uncomfortable, but also troublesome. This means that the enamel on your tooth is degraded. While this may just be a cavity, if it is not taken care of, more serious damage can result. You may be delaying treatment due to a fear that the procedure will be painful. Most people claim that having a root canal is similar to having a cavity filled. A root canal procedure, like that you’d get from a dental office like Top Dental, is just a more thorough cleaning out of the damaged tooth. The dentist will then seal the tooth to prevent further damage. In advanced cases, swelling of the face and an abscess can form.

Temperature Sensitivity

Your teeth being sensitive to hot and cold foods can be a sign of something more serious. Many toothpastes can help with temperature sensitivity. This may mask an underlying issue. Having prolonged sensitivity even after the removal of the source means that the nerve of your tooth might be exposed. This occurs after the enamel has completely eroded from the tooth. This can happen because of an untreated cavity or even a crack in the tooth. Regular checkups can catch problems before they get to this point.

Change in Color

Teeth would ideally be white. Your teeth tend to become more yellowed with exposure to certain types of foods and drinks. Teeth that are changing to a darker color or even blackening are a sign of rot. Seeking treatment at the first sign of a color change is your best defense against losing your teeth. Daily brushings and flossing can result in your teeth staying healthier longer. You may even notice a slight swelling around the tooth that is causing you pain. This could be an infection that has occurred under the tooth or into the nerve.

Gums Problems

Swelling or small holes may be forming in your gum near the tooth that is bothering you. Some people even describe a pimple like sore next to the tooth. There could be just a general tender feeling to the gums. It may be easier to ignore problems with your gums since they don’t directly contact the food. Overall gum health is just as important as taking care of your teeth. Consider that the gums are the foundation for your teeth. You wouldn’t ignore a problem with your home’s foundation. It can cause just as many health issues to have gum disease as it does to have tooth decay.

While going to the dentist doesn’t qualify as a vacation, it still needs to be done. Watch for these signs to determine if you might need to have a root canal.