How to Tell if You Need a Root Canal Treatment

Experiencing pain and discomfort in the mouth isn’t uncommon, but how exactly do you know when it’s time to get a dental filling or schedule a root canal treatment? It can be difficult, especially during the early stages, to figure out whether a dental issue can be solved with better oral hygiene or requires some form of dental work. Because of this reason, it is essential to visit a trained and experienced Bondi dentist regularly.

Physical symptoms don’t usually manifest until the issue has progressed to a more advanced level, leading to a tooth infection and a potential root canal treatment. Root canals are performed to save and repair teeth that have been infected or badly decayed. When a tooth's pulp, comprising nerves and blood vessels, gets damaged, it needs to be removed so that the tooth can be cleaned and sealed. 

But how can you know it may be time for a root canal treatment? The only way to know for sure would be to pay a visit to a dentist. However, there are a couple of warning signs that would indicate it’s time to schedule a visit to a dentist near Woollahra for a root canal. 

Persistent Pain 

Persistent pain is a tell-tale sign of a root canal treatment. The pain is usually around the tooth area and can either cause discomfort all the time or go away and return from time to time. 

The pain is typically experienced deep inside the tooth’s bone. Some may also describe pain in the jaw, face, or other teeth.

It’s important to note that there are other causes of tooth pain, such as – 

●        Cavity

●        Gum disease 

●        Damage filling 

●        Sinus infection 

Sensitivity to Temperature

An infected or decaying tooth can hurt while eating something hot or cold. The sensitivity often feels like a sharp pain or a dull ache. If the pain lingers for a significant period of time, even after continuing the consumption of hot or cold foods, it might indicate an infection of the nerves and blood vessels, requiring a root canal treatment. 

Tooth Discolouration

When there is an infection in the tooth’s pulp, it can lead to tooth discolouration. Breakdown of internal tissue or tooth trauma can also damage the roots, giving them a greyish-black hue. 

Though there are other causes of a tooth becoming discoloured, it’s best to consult a dentist when you notice a change in the colour of your tooth. 

Cracked or Chipped Tooth

Cracked or chipped tooth may result from an accident, usually while chewing something hard or participating in a contact sport. Regardless of the cause, it can lead to bacteria build-up, causing infection and inflammation.

In some instances, tooth injury that doesn’t necessarily result in a crack or chip can damage the nerve. It can become inflamed and cause sensitivity and pain, mandating a root canal procedure. 

Prolonged Sensitivity 

If a tooth feels sensitive while eating or touching it, it might indicate severe nerve damage or tooth decay and will require a root canal procedure for treatment. It would undoubtedly be the case when the sensitivity continues to persist over a period of time and doesn’t go away even after you stop eating. 

When a tooth is infected, the ligament of the root tip becomes hypersensitive, caused by a dying pulp. The waste produced by the dying pulp might irritate the tooth’s ligament, resulting in pain while biting or chewing.

Tooth Mobility

When a tooth is infected, it might feel looser. It could also result from other factors, such as pulpal necrosis, but it would indicate seeking a root canal treatment. 

In case there are multiple teeth feeling loose, the cause could be something else, and a qualified dentist should check it out. 

Ways to Prevent a Root Canal Treatment

Anybody who wants to prevent undergoing a root canal treatment must follow a strict dental hygiene regime that helps prevent cavities and other kinds of tooth issues. In order to keep your teeth healthy, here are a couple of steps you must take:

✔       Brush your teeth twice a day 

✔       Floss your teeth once a day

✔       Use fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash

✔       Schedule dental check-ups every six months 

✔       Professionally clean your teeth once a year

✔       Limit the consumption of refined carbohydrates and sugary foods. 

Wrapping Up

An infection of the root and pulp of a tooth can cause a significant amount of pain and discomfort. Most people avoid seeing a dentist because of the fear of undergoing a painful root canal procedure. Contrary to this myth, root canals aren’t that painful. In fact, the pain of an infected tooth is far greater than the procedure.

If you’re experiencing any of the likely symptoms, schedule a consultation at Optimal Dental Care, and our world-class team of dentists can curate a tailored-plan for your treatment and care.