When is a Root Canal Really Necessary? 8 Signs You Need a Root Canal

Curious about whether you need a dental filling or a root canal? Knowing the signs you need root canal treatment is crucial. Persistent pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, or swelling in your mouth may indicate the need for a root canal. If your dentist, Dr. Beshoy Eskandar, identifies these symptoms, you’re not alone—more than 15 million root canals are performed each year to relieve such issues. Prompt treatment can often save the affected tooth and alleviate discomfort caused by pain and tenderness.

WHAT IS A ROOT CANAL PROCEDURE?

A root canal removes the inflamed or infected pulp from the inside of the tooth.

Endodontic treatment, or root canal therapy, is a type of dental treatment in which endo means inside and odont means tooth in Greek.

The bad pulp will be removed, the root canal will be cleaned, and the space will be filled and sealed. Your dentist will place a crown or other restoration on the tooth after the root canal is completed to protect it.

It’s critical to treat the root canal because the infection can spread and cause health problems outside of your mouth.

ANATOMY OF A TOOTH

We need a basic understanding of the anatomical structure of a tooth to talk about it.

The enamel is the outer layer of the teeth. Enamel is a white, hard substance made primarily of calcium phosphate.

The dentin layer lies beneath the enamel. When the enamel is damaged, cold or heat can enter the tooth through pathways on the dentin layer, causing pain.

Blood vessels and nerves are found in the pulp, which is located beneath the dentin layer.

Finally, the cementum connects the tooth to the gums and is found at the base of the root.

ROOT CANALS THAT AREN’T LIKE YOUR GRANDFATHER’S

Do you recall how important root canals used to be? It’s now as simple as filling a cavity.

How did the root canal procedure evolve so dramatically over time?

For starters, the procedure has been streamlined thanks to new and more efficient equipment. Imaging technology has come a long way. The anesthetic is now used in such a way that even the first injection is painless.

IS GETTING A ROOT CANAL PAINFUL?

You will not feel anything during the procedure because you will be given numbing medication. You may experience soreness and sensitivity in the area for a few days after the root canal.

THE BENEFITS AND DRAWBACKS OF A ROOT CANAL

Every dental procedure has advantages and disadvantages. You should discuss your options with your dentist and consider your personal reasons for getting a root canal.

PROS

• Get rid of the root canal discomfort.
• The bone that surrounds your tooth is kept.
• You won’t have to have the tooth extracted,
• You won’t have to pay for an implant.

CONS

• It’s inconvenient to sit with your mouth open for the duration of the procedure.
• After a root canal, there is a very low risk of infection.

SYMPTOMS OF A ROOT CANAL

Do I require endodontic treatment? What are the signs that your tooth pain requires a root canal?

Any of the following symptoms should be reported to your dentist. There’s no need to be afraid of telling the dentist the truth now that root canals aren’t so scary.

1. EXCRUCIATING PAIN

Any pain in your mouth should be reported to your dentist, but certain types of pain could indicate root canal pain. If you experience sudden pain that comes on like a wave, you may need root canal treatment for an infected or dead tooth. Are there any positions where your gums or teeth hurt the most? Is there any pressure on your teeth and face when you lie down or bend down? This could be the result of a root canal.

2. GUMS WITH BUMPS

Any bumps on your gums could be a sign of an infected tooth that requires a root canal. A fistula is a pimple-like bump on the bottom of the foot.

3. HEAT AND COLD SENSITIVITY

You don’t need a root canal if you’re sensitive to hot and cold. The sensitivity and pain from hot and cold lasts long after the drink or food has been consumed by those who require a root canal.

4. GUMS THAT ARE SWOLLEN

If your gums have become swollen, it could be a sign of an infected tooth. This is different from when we get inflamed gums from flossing or brushing too hard. Gums that are swollen and tender to touch will remain that way for a while.

5. GUM DARKENING

Gum disease can be indicated by darkening gums, which may signal infection and tooth deterioration. If the infection progresses and the tooth begins to die, you may observe gum decay. If you notice these signs you need root canal treatment, it’s crucial to consult with your dentist, as a root canal procedure might be necessary to save the tooth and address the underlying infection. Early intervention can prevent further complications and preserve dental health.

6. A TOOTH THAT HAS BEEN CHIPPED OR CRACKED.

A chipped or cracked tooth is a two-fold indicator that the tooth may require root canal treatment. For example, there could have been trauma to the tooth that caused the chip or crack, which has now resulted in inflamed or infected pulp. As a result of its death, the tooth may have become so decayed or infected that it has cracked or chipped. To save the rest of the tooth, you will almost certainly need a root canal.

7. TENDER GUMS

There’s a possibility you have root canal pain if your gums are tender to the touch, or even if they are not. Tell your dentist about your tender gums.

8. ABSCESS

An abscess will appear as a dark spot on an x-ray. Because bone does not grow around an infection, it is essentially a hole in the jawbone.

During your regular dentist appointment and x-rays, your dentist should tell you if you have an abscess in your tooth.

AFTER A ROOT CANAL, YOU’LL NEED TO RECOVER.

During the first few days following endodontic treatment, you may experience some minor discomfort. Root canal pain is common for a few days, but if it lasts longer than a week, you should see your dentist.

To best protect your tooth after the root canal, you should have a crown placed on top of it.

THE SMILE SHAPERS CAN SAVE YOUR TOOTH.

Our services are available if you have any signs that you need a root canal. You may require root canal therapy, but the only way to know for sure is to visit your dentist and be evaluated by a professional.

Schedule an appointment for a dental exam as soon as possible to avoid putting your tooth and your health at risk.