A sudden, sharp toothache or discomfort while chewing may raise the question, “Do I need a root canal?” It is a question many people ask, and rightly so. Root canals are often the solution for saving a tooth when the nerve or pulp becomes infected or damaged. But how can you tell if this is something you need? This blog will explore the signs of a root canal issue and how to spot them early on.

What Is a Root Canal?

Before discussing signs of root canal issues, let’s briefly define a root canal. A root canal is a standard dental treatment in which the infected pulp of a tooth is removed from the interior of the tooth. The space is then cleaned, shaped, and filled to prevent infection. It can be a lifesaver for your teeth, enabling you to keep a tooth that would otherwise need removal.

Symptoms of Root Canal Problems

While needing a root canal might sound intimidating, knowing the signs early will help prevent further complications. Here are some of the most common symptoms that indicate you may need root canal therapy:

1. Severe, Persistent Pain in the Tooth

The most common sign of a root canal problem is persistent tooth pain. This pain can occur at any time, even without necessarily chewing or eating. It can range from mild discomfort to severe, throbbing pain. The pain might be located in just one tooth and worsens at night or when applying pressure.

2. Sensitivity to Hot or Cold

If your tooth is sensitive to hot or cold, that could indicate nerve inflammation. This type of sensitivity can also last longer than typical tooth sensitivity. If the pain lingers well after the source of the heat or cold has been removed, that’s a strong sign that you may need root canal therapy in Parker.

3. Swollen or Tender Gums

Common symptoms of infection deep inside the tooth include swelling and tenderness of the gum area around the infected tooth. The infection sometimes causes inflammation of the gums, which can, if severe, also result in an abscess. If you experience any swelling or tenderness, be sure to see your dentist immediately.

4. Discoloration of the tooth

If one’s tooth gets darker or grayish or brownish in color, that may be an indication that the pulp inside the tooth is damaged or dying. This discoloration occurs because of the breakdown of the nerve tissues of the tooth, which demands professional treatment to prevent further decay.

5. Pain when chewing or touching the tooth

Pain related to chewing or touching a particular tooth may indicate an infected or damaged nerve inside the tooth. This discomfort is usually caused by pressure applied to the tooth, which aggravates the infection inside the tooth.

6. Abscess or Pimple on the Gums

An abscess or pimple-like bump on the gums near the affected tooth can show that there is an infection. This kind of abscess may drain pus, which is likely to be the infection in the tooth’s root. If left unattended, the infection may spread to the rest of your mouth or even the rest of your body.

When to See Your Dentist

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is essential to consult your dentist. Prolonging a visit to the dental clinic can escalate complications into more severe problems, such as infection spreading or tooth loss. A dentist will perform an X-ray or other diagnostic tests to determine whether root canal therapy is needed and how extensive the damage is.

Don’t Wait – Get the Treatment You Need

If you are showing any of the signs and symptoms of root canal problems, early action is needed. Don’t let the pain become unbearable or the infection spread before consulting with your dentist. Contact Castlewood Dental today for an evaluation and to learn more about how root canal therapy can save your tooth.