Root canals are notoriously painful, but they are familiar and necessary to treat. Although the signs are not as apparent as those of a decayed or infected tooth, there are some warning signs that you should be aware of if you require a root canal procedure.
A root canal treatment or endodontic treatment can save your teeth while relieving your pain. Unfortunately, not all people know the symptoms they should watch out for.
Here are six signs that you need to get a root canal:
1. The Heat and Cold Sensitivity
When you feel the pain, the heat and cold sensitivity happen. You will feel the pain even if you touch hot or cold things. It is not a kind of pain that you can take in your daily life with ease. Many people use painkillers to decrease their pain, but these aren’t enough to remedy their situation.
2. The Swollen Gums
Swollen gums are a symptom of root canal issues that grow from mild to unbearable. It’s the kind of pain that you will feel, even when your teeth are not touched. Additionally, this kind of discomfort can be felt in the end or corner of your tongue.
When your gums are sore or swollen, the pulp of your tooth may be infected. Inflammation of the gums, particularly around a single tooth, is your body’s natural response to a tooth infection or decay.
3. The Constant Pain
Root canals can irritate and inflame nerve endings in the tooth connected to the face and head. This causes the muscles in your face and head to tense up, resulting in toothaches and headaches that are both constant and sometimes unbearable.
4. The Tooth Discoloration
Root canals can cause discolored teeth or tooth staining. The bacteria associated with root canal infections are responsible for these problems. The discoloration and staining are often apparent on the outer edges of a tooth or where the tooth is most likely to be exposed to outside elements.
5. The Discharge
There is a yellow or green colored discharge coming from the infected gums after root canals. It is a pus-like substance that can be seen or felt. This is an urgent sign that your condition needs immediate attention. If this happens, consult your emergency dental clinic ASAP.
6. The Undetectable Illness
Root canals can cause a general illness that can be seen as a common cold, fever, fatigue, etc. Although you can treat the symptoms individually, signs of deteriorating health paired with oral health problems may be a sign of infected or decaying teeth. For this reason, you need to consult with a dental expert to find the root cause of your condition.
Conclusion
You can walk around for a long time with a root canal. In contrast to most oral health issues, where symptoms can be seen immediately, root canal symptoms frequently do not appear until the problem progresses. The only way to prevent this and detect it before it worsens is to visit your dentist regularly.
Treatment methods for these oral health conditions are not available at home. The best way to find out if you need a root canal procedure is to visit your dentist’s office, which includes X-rays as well as thermal and electric testing.
If you’re looking for an emergency dentist who can take care of your oral health, Dr. Thomas E. Cooke Family Dentistry is here to help you. Our Raleigh, NC, practice is based on family dentistry and provides a comprehensive range of patient-centered dental services. We provide you with the best care possible by providing superior dental care, ranging from regular checkups and cleanings to extensive tooth restoration and replacement procedures.