5 Signs To Get A Root Canal

I think we all can agree that toothache is one of the most painful experiences one can go through. It becomes unbearable after a while and forces us to visit a dentist as soon as possible. Depending on the stage of issue you have, the dentist might suggest you get a “root canal” done. Before we get into the nitty-gritty of what leads to this procedure, it is essential to understand a root canal procedure.

Are your teeth sensitive to hot or cold beverages or food? It might be an indication that you need root canal treatment. Read to find out more signs!

What Is A Root Canal?

Sometimes the pulp inside the tooth becomes dead, and the only way to save it is through a root canal, a procedure that prevents this tooth from complete damage. Several reasons can make your tooth decay, for instance, a cavity or a traumatic experience to the tooth. The cavity can also spread around and cause similar damage to another tooth around it.

A root canal treatment consists of 4 major procedures:

1. Taking X ray-The doctor will first examine the damage to the tooth via X-ray
2. Applying Anesthesia– Local anesthesia is applied to the affected tooth
3. Pulpectomy– A procedure where the damaged tooth pulp is removed
4. Filling– diseased pulp is cleaned out, thereby removing any trace of infection or bacteria and filling the canal with a material called “gutta-percha.”

Signs You Might Need A Root Canal Treatment

Here are important signs that might indicate the need for a root canal:

1. Discoloration Of The Tooth:

We have seen discoloration on the tooth generally after having coffee or tea, which usually goes after we brush. However, if we come across a black or brown discoloration on the tooth which stays even after brushing, then it’s a sign that something bad has happened to the tooth, and you need to immediately show this to your dentist. Your dentist may suggest a root canal if the tooth is dead from inside.

2. Extreme Sensitivity:

A little bit of sensitivity from hot or cold is considered normal. However, if you find that the sensitivity is lasting for a long time, then it may be a sign that the cavity has entered deep in the canal, and a small procedure like a filling is not going to heal you.

3. Bleeding Of Gums:

Bleeding gums is a sign of weak dental hygiene and needs to be taken very seriously. If you find blood coming from gums regularly when trying to bite on fruits or hard foods, then there might be a tooth that has become weak due to the weakness in the gums around it. Some people might mistake gum bleeding for a previously occurring gingivitis issue. However, it could be much more complicated. Please visit a dentist immediately to look at options like a root canal or teeth cleaning.

4. Sudden Pain:

Root canals are required when the cavity has decayed the tooth to the point that the nerve inside the affected tooth is exposed. Even a slight exposure to this nerve can be very painful. Schedule a visit to your dentist to check on this sudden pain immediately.

5. Puss Formation On The Gums:

Sometimes you will notice a bump on the gums, which is, in fact, the presence of puss formation on the gums. This may also be accompanied by fever, and the bump might fade and reappear. You need to show this to your dentist as it may be a sign of a diseased tooth.

Conclusion

The good news is that Root canal treatments generally have a high success rate and, in most cases, lasts for a lifetime. Usually, tooth pain is unbearable and can reach a complicated stage if not treated on time. Hence, it is important aspect is to always maintain dental hygiene and visit the dentist as soon as you notice the signs mentioned above and symptoms.

Tooth pain is miserable and can give you sleepless nights. In this article, we have discussed the signs that you should notice and get a root canal done before your tooth decay worsens.