How will you know if you need root canal treatment? Is there a way to delay or avoid the need for it? What signs can you look out for?
What is a root canal treatment
A root canal treatment is a common dental procedure performed by dentists in Canada. It involves removing debris and decay in the tooth pulp, with the goal of saving the tooth.
The dental pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and tissues that help in tooth development. It also supplies nourishment to the tooth, but the tooth can still survive without the pulp.
When the pulp becomes severely infected or damaged, root canal treatment may be necessary. Your dentist removes the decay, disinfects the area, fills the space, and seals it to avoid similar problems in the future.
A root canal treatment allows you to keep your natural tooth. But in some cases, you may require another treatment, such as a dental crown, to support and strengthen the treated tooth.
How can I tell if I need a root canal treat
Here are some signs it may be time to get root canal therapy.
- Severe pain. Persistent pain that keeps you up at night or goes away but keeps coming back is one sign that you may need a root canal treatment. While tooth pain alone may not be enough to tell that the issue is an infected pulp, it helps to see your dentist immediately for a checkup and exam. A severe toothache can also be due to other dental problems, such as cavity or gum disease.
- Intense sensitivity. If your teeth are extra sensitive to hot and cold or sudden changes in temperature, that can also be one sign you may need root canal treatments. The sensitivity can cause bouts of pain, and you might feel the need to avoid certain types of food or beverages. This can mean that the tooth nerves are damaged, which triggers the sensitivity.
- Tooth discolouration. A damaged tooth can also lead to damaged roots and a discoloured appearance. The lack of blood supply can cause the dental pulp to die. If your tooth is changing colour, let your dentist know so they can examine the area and determine the cause of the problem.
- Swollen and discoloured gums. Swollen and discolored gums can also be a telltale sign that you may need a root canal. See if the gums are also tender and painful to touch. If the gums have darkened, that's a sign of decay and can mean that the tooth is dying.
- Chipped or cracked tooth. If the tooth has been in an accident or trauma, it may lead to cracks or chips. Cracked, chipped, or injured teeth can cause nerve damage and infection. This may warrant a root canal treatment.
- Soreness. Constant pain in the tooth area may be due to decay, dying pulp, or nerve damage, and root canal therapy may be necessary to treat it. The pain can also come and go and reach other areas of your face or jaw. There are other potential causes for sore teeth, so it's best to have your dentist examine the area.
Don't wait too long to get your tooth taken care of
If an infected tooth is left untreated for so long, it may result in tooth loss.
It can be tough to know whether you need a root canal during the early stages of the issue. But your dentist in the Kemptville area can find out if there's a problem needing an immediate solution, may it be a filling or root canal treatment.
Visible symptoms may only appear once the problem has already advanced, so it's crucial to keep up with your routine dental visits.
If you experience any of the signs listed above, it's a good idea to contact your dentist and book an appointment.
Here at Kemptville Smiles Dentistry in Kemptville, ON, we do our best to see you as soon as possible. If you have severe pain in your tooth, we may be able to get you in right away and help you feel better.
Contact us today at (613) 258-7373 to talk to one of our friendly receptionists and book your visit.