The dental procedure to clean out infected tissues from the tooth’s pulp and root area is known as a root canal.
A tooth consists of three layers: enamel, dentin, and tooth pulp. Tooth pulp contains nerves and vessels that keep the tooth alive.
A decay reaching the tooth pulp can result in its inflammation. In that case, your dentist may recommend removing the inflamed pulp through the root canal procedure.
You may wonder if you can know when you need a root canal. Are there any symptoms to check? In this article, we will discuss those symptoms that can help you determine whether or not you need a root canal.
Root canal procedure
The procedure of root canal mainly aims at cleaning out decay to preserve an infected tooth. The root canal procedure involves the following steps.
- Extraction of decay and bacteria from the tooth pulp and root
- Use of antibiotics to disinfect the area
- Filling the area that once contained pulp
- Seal the tooth to prevent decay in the future
A general dentist may carry out the root canal procedure, but you may need to consult an endodontist if your problem is too advanced.
Symptoms that you need a Root Canal
Your dentist is the right person to tell you if you need a root canal, but you, too, can check for some symptoms to know if you need to pay a visit to your dentist for the procedure.
Here are those symptoms.
1. Persistent pain
You may need a root canal if you have persistent pain in your tooth. This pain might remain there the entire time, or it might go away for some time only to come back. You might feel this pain deep inside the jawbone or in your face or other teeth.
There can be plenty of other reasons for tooth pain, but it is crucial to visit your dentist no matter the reason is for this discomfort.
2. Tooth hypersensitivity
Tooth sensitivity refers to the tooth pain that occurs when you eat or drink something hot or cold. This pain can range from a dull ache to sharp pain. If the pain lingers for an extended duration after you are finished eating or drinking, you may need a root canal.
Toothache occurring as a result of the intake of hot or cold foods may be a sign that the nerves and blood vessels in your tooth are infected.
3. Tooth discoloration
Sometimes, an infection in the tooth pulp can lead to tooth discoloration. Damage to the internal tissue can result in the tooth developing a grayish-black shade. This discoloration is easily visible when it appears on the front teeth.
Sometimes, the tooth pulp becomes dead due to the lack of blood supply. It necessitates a root canal procedure for the patient.
There can be several reasons for tooth discoloration, so it is a good idea to visit your dentist for a quick analysis.
4. Swollen gums
A tooth that requires a root canal may cause swelling in the gums around it. The swelling may or may not cause pain. It may be persistent or intermittent.
Swelling occurs as a result of the dead pulp releasing waste products through the tip of the root. These waste materials cause damage to the gum tissues, resulting in the swelling.
You may want to discuss with your dentist to know if you need a root canal to treat this problem.
