A root canal therapy is a popular dental procedure that involves cleaning the infected root pulp. It is the core of the tooth that contains the dental pulp containing nerve cells, connective tissues, and blood vessels. Leftover food particles often interact with the bacteria in the oral cavity causing an infection in the pulp.

If the decay reaches the insides of the dental pulp, it ends up causing the toothache, inflammation, and widespread infection. Getting immediate treatment for the decay is extremely important and below are a few tell-tale signs that you need a root canal treatment.

Table of Contents :-

Feel free to skip ahead if one topic catches your eye

• Chipped or Cracked Tooth
• Tooth Sensitivity (Hot or Cold)
• Discoloration of the Tooth
• Persistent Tooth Pain
• Deep Decay
• Swollen Gums
• Movement of Tooth
• Take Away

1. Chipped or Cracked Tooth :-

If you have a broken or chipped tooth because of a sudden impact or injury, bacteria tends to enter those cracks, causing further risks of tooth decay and inflammation. It is important to consult a dentist to get the affected tooth checked. Even if you don’t have a severely cracked tooth, the impact on the tissue inside the pulp can trigger a further decay or infection. Getting timely assessment can help prevent further deterioration and a timely root canal can spare you the complications.

2. Tooth Sensitivity (Hot or Cold) :-

How often have you been feeling a sharp jabbing pain when you eat something hot or cold? If the condition has been affecting you for long, it is likely a sign of decaying tooth pulp. If the pain is lingering and affects you more than you can tolerate, it is a sign that you need to undergo a root canal treatment. The dull or sharp pain when biting into something hold or cold is also a sign of damaged blood vessels in the dental pulp.

3. Discoloration of the Tooth :-

One of the most underrated signs that you need a root canal is sudden discoloration of the tooth. An infected dental pulp contributes to discoloration, which, if left untreated, can enhance the complications even more. Sudden breakdown of the internal connective tissues in the oral cavity also tarnishes the color of the tooth. Another common reason behind the discolored tooth is due to obstructed blood supply to the tooth pulp as a result of a sudden trauma. If that is the case, you might need an immediate root canal procedure.

4. Persistent Tooth Pain :-

Toothache is an indispensable symptom that something is wrong with your oral cavity. Sometimes, the pain is persistent and prolonged, it may come and go. Whatever the condition be, it is necessary that you consult a dentist before the condition takes a turn for the worse. The pain can be due to several reasons including gum infection, referred pain, damaged filling, etc. to name a few. Whatever the condition be, even if you require a root canal or not, getting an early diagnosis of the problem cuts down the risks by a lot.

5. Deep Decay :-

Deep decay usually occurs in the teeth where the normal brushes or floss can’t reach. Untreated cavities, especially the infected ones, lead to the risks of nerve damage and heightened sensitivity in the teeth. If the deep decay has reached the root of the teeth, getting a root canal treatment is the only option. Getting the symptoms checked is essential before it gets worse and leads to an irreparable condition that may require tooth extraction in the later stage.

6. Swollen Gums :-

If you are experiencing persistent tooth pain accompanied by swollen gums, it is a sign that you might need to undergo root canal treatment. Some patients complain of feeling tenderness around the gums and the infected tooth. The most common reason behind the swelling is due to the debris deposition of the infected connective tissue or dead nerve cells from the decayed and infected tooth. The swelling might be accompanied by an abscess or pimple on the gums. If you witness pus discharge accompanied by a bad smell, it is important that you consult a dentist immediately.

7. Movement of Tooth :-

Tooth mobility is a common sign of decay and infection in the dental pulp. One of the common reasons behind it is pulpal necrosis or the death of the nerve tissues in the tooth. If you are experiencing the same, it is likely a sign that you need a root canal treatment immediately. Often, the necrosis of the nerve cells leaves behind dead remnants inside the pulp, leading to softening of the bone that holds the tooth, causing it to move. If the condition persists, get the tooth checked for infection or other underlying oral health complications. However, excessive tooth mobility may not be corrected by Root canal treatment.

Take Away

Constant pain and discomfort in your tooth can lead to further complications that we have no idea about. It is why getting these symptoms checked immediately is necessary. Early diagnosis helps the dentist assess the condition and come up with the right treatment plan, especially if you need an immediate root canal treatment. If you are anxious about the procedure, because of the pain that comes with it, you don’t have to anymore. Dental practice has evolved over the years and root canal therapy is one of the most common procedures that is done comfortably nowadays.
At the Ministry of Smile, you can avail the best root canal treatment by certified dentists at affordable costs.