Root canals have a reputation for being scary and painful, but that’s just a myth. Modern dentistry has made getting a root canal procedure much the same as getting a cavity filled—you might feel a little discomfort, but there will not be any pain. However, you’ll definitely wind up in a lot of pain if you don’t get a root canal when you need one.
So how do you know if you need a root canal? In some cases, the procedure might be necessary even though you aren’t experiencing any noticeable symptoms. However, physical symptoms can start to show when the problem becomes more advanced. If you notice any of the following signs, contact your dentist right away.
Six Telltale Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
1: Chips or Cracks
Deep chips and cracks can expose the sensitive pulp inside a tooth, allowing harmful bacteria to infect it. Small cracks that seem harmless at first will get bigger over time, increasing the risk of tooth infections. If you notice a chip or crack in your tooth, don’t hesitate to get it checked out.
2: Persistent Tooth Pain
No matter the cause, a persistent toothache is a sign of a serious problem and should never be ignored. Pain when biting down, a constant throbbing pain, or a sharp pain that comes and goes are all signs it’s time to see a dentist.
3: Sensitivity to Hot or Cold
Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks is often a sign of pulpitis, which is an infection of the tooth pulp. Any type of tooth sensitivity warrants a trip to the dentist, and if an infection is the cause, you might need a root canal.
4: Swollen Gums
Swollen and tender gums can be a sign of pulpitis as well as gum disease. Both of these conditions only get worse without treatment. If you have swollen and tender gums, it’s crucial that you make a dental appointment as soon as possible.
5: Tooth Darkening or Discoloration
When the pulp of a tooth gets infected, it can cause the tooth to darken and become gray or black as the pulp breaks down. A tooth with a dying pulp becomes very brittle and prone to cracks. If you notice a single tooth becoming darker, consult your dentist right away.
6: A Bump on the Gums
A pimple-like bump on the gums that doesn’t go away could be a dental abscess. This is a clear indication of infection, and requires immediate treatment to prevent the infection from spreading. You may experience discomfort, swelling, fever, and sometimes the blister might drain some yellowish pus.
What Happens If You Don’t Get a Root Canal?
Putting off any kind of dental treatment is a big mistake. While the idea of getting a root canal might seem intimidating, avoiding the procedure can lead to severe complications. A root canal is the best treatment for a tooth with infected pulp. In fact, the purpose of a root canal is to save a damaged or infected tooth. Without this procedure, the infection can spread, causing significant pain as well as bone loss and tooth loss.
Untreated infections can also lead to the formation of dental abscesses, which are pockets of pus that develop at the root of the tooth or surrounding gums. Without treatment, abscesses can cause intense pain, fever, and swelling. You also run the risk of the infection spreading to other parts of the body, including your brain.
Save Your Tooth by Scheduling an Urgent Appointment
Only your dentist can determine whether or not your symptoms call for a root canal. Regardless, all of the above signs are causes for concern. If you notice any changes in your oral health or are due for a checkup, give Country Club Dental a call at 928-526-4314 today. Dr. Paul Whitney or Dr. Mikaela Weedman will examine your teeth and discuss your treatment options with you.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (12/29/2023). Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels
