Has your dentist told you that you need a root canal, but your tooth doesn’t hurt at all? The truth is that pain is only one of the many signs that you could have an infected tooth and benefit from root canal therapy. Continue reading to learn about the different symptoms that could result in a root canal.
Tooth Pain
You don’t need to be in pain to get a root canal. However, tooth pain is the most common symptom that indicates that something isn’t right. If you are unable to eat or drink without feeling discomfort, you should head to the dental office to have it looked at. They will examine the area and determine the common treatment method for you.
Chipped/Cracked Teeth
When a tooth is chipped or cracked, this is something to be examined by a dentist. This kind of issue may be giving bacteria a clear path to travel to the center of your tooth. This results in an infection. By performing a root canal, the infection can be eliminated and your tooth saved!
Sensitivity to Hot/Cold
New or worsening temperature sensitivity could indicate that you have a worse issue on your hands. When you feel pain when drinking hot or cold drinks, this could mean that your tooth is infected. A root canal may be required to save your tooth.
Gum Inflammation
If you or your dentist notice a raised bump on your gums, or they are painful and swollen, this can point to an abscessed tooth. If this is the case, your dentist will likely perform a root canal to combat the infection.
Discoloration
Discoloration occurs naturally over time, and it isn’t typically something to worry about. However, if one or more teeth end up darkly discolored, this could be a sign of nerve damage. In this situation, your dentist will determine whether or not a root canal will be able to save your affected tooth.
Tooth Decay
When cavities are neglected for too long, they only get worse. Once this extends down to the nerve of the tooth, a root canal is the only option to save it. When left untreated for longer, you may end up needing to have the tooth extracted entirely to prevent the spread of infection.
No one wants a root canal, but they are extremely common. If you have any of the signs and symptoms listed above, contact your dentist. This way, they can get to the root of the problem and save your tooth!
About the Author
Dr. Puneet Sandhu, DDS is the owner and lead dentist at Complete Dental Care Paradise Valley in Phoenix, AZ. A graduate of the University of Arizona where he completed his degree in physiology with a minor in chemistry in just three years, he went on to earn his dental degree from UCLA. Dr. Sandhu is a faculty member of Spear Education, the world’s largest dental education organization, and holds a Fellowship with the International Dental Implant Association as well as memberships with the American Dental Association, Arizona Dental Association, and Central Arizona Dental Society. Known for his warm, easy-going approach and his belief that patients are true partners in their own care, his clinical focus is full mouth reconstruction and comprehensive restorative dentistry. Outside the office, Dr. Sandhu enjoys Cardinals and Giants football and spending time with his family.