What Is a Root Canal (And How to Know If You Do You Need One)

Smile On Us • Mar 16, 2020

How do you know if you need a root canal? Are there telltale signs? Learn about possible root canal symptoms and more here.

Are you experiencing pain in a tooth? You may wonder if it is root canal pain.

If you're at all concerned about your dental health, you should see a dentist immediately. They will give you an oral examination, take x-rays, and perform other tests to see if your tooth needs a root canal.

Waiting too long to get a root canal can allow the infection to spread to other parts of your face and even your brain.

Read on to learn about root canals and the top root canal symptoms and signs.

What's a Root Canal?

A root canal ( conducto radicular ) is an endodontic treatment procedure that is performed to remove the decay from the inside of a tooth.

Don't be afraid, root canal procedure aren't the scary procedures they used to be. First of all. a root canal shouldn't hurt. You'll be given anesthetic right from the beginning so you won't feel a thing.

This isn't your parent's root canal. Technology in the endodontic field has come leaps and bounds over the years.

Your root canal will be performed by a dentist or an endodontist, which is a dentist that specializes in the inside of the tooth.

Why Should You Get A Root Canal?

If you let an inflamed or infected tooth sit for too long, you may get more than just root canal pain.

You may have to have the entire tooth extracted. That means an empty space in your mouth, or paying for an implant.

If you get a root canal to save your tooth, you can keep the bone around your tooth and you can get a simple crown instead of an expensive implant.

Telltale Root Canal Symptoms and Signs

Stay on top of your oral health and oral hygiene by knowing when tooth and mouth pain isn't normal.

Also, make sure to go to your regularly scheduled dentist appointment so that they can catch any potential issues or warning signs you need a root canal., early on.

1. Tooth Pain

There are certain pains that may suggest that you may need a root canal therapy.

One type is spontaneous pain. Spontaneous pain will hit you like a wave all at once. It isn't brought on by anything specific.

Another sort of pain is positional pain. Does your tooth hurt more when you lean down to pick something up? You may feel pressure on your face, too.

These could be indicative of root canal pain. Tylenol and other over-the-counter pain medications can help relieve symptoms.

For any kind of tooth pain, we'd recommend getting seen by your Hollywood, Florida dentist.

2. Sensitivity

It is perfectly normal to have your teeth be slightly sensitive when you sip your morning coffee or have iced water after a run. Where it becomes worrisome is when the sensitivity lingers after you have the beverage or food.

When you go to your regular dentist appointment, mention that you have a sensitivity to hot and cold and that it lingers long after you consume it. This isn't something they can see, so it is important for you to tell them about this root canal symptom.

3. Dark and Swollen Gums

Dark gums are a sign of decay. If the gum surrounding a tooth is decaying, it could mean that the tooth itself is infected.

Sometimes you can get swollen gums from brushing too hard or from flossing for the first time in a while, which is totally normal. If you have swollen gums without cause, this inflammation could be symbolic of needing further dental care.

Your gum health can tell you a lot about your tooth. Gum tenderness, darkening, and swollen gums can be indicative of needing a root canal.

4. Cracked or Chipped Tooth

A cracked or chipped tooth discoloration is a significant sign that you may need a root canal.

If trauma occurred to your tooth, you may have nerve damage that has caused an inflammation or an infection.

On the other hand, your tooth could be so far decayed that it has cracked from the infection.

Either way, if you want to try to save the remainder of the tooth, talk to your dentist about possible root canal treatment.

5. Small Bumps

Small pimple-like bumps on your gums could be a sign of something known as a fistula. This means your tooth is likely infected.

Another type of bump that could is known as an abscess. You may be able to feel it near the root of your tooth, but your dentist can best view it by using an x-ray.

If you feel any bumps on your gums, call your dentist soon as you may need a root canal.

Root Canal Treatment

Root canal dental procedure can help you keep your tooth.

First, the dentist or endodontist will remove the infected or inflamed dental pulp from inside the tooth.

They do this by drilling through the outer part of the teeth, the enamel, and the dentin layer which is right under the enamel.

They use tools to clean out the tooth pulp which contains blood vessels and nerves. Once the nerves are cleaned out and the pulp is removed, the tooth is considered dead.

Then the root canal is filled with permanent filling to seal the space.

When the root canal itself is done, your dentist will use a dental restoration method, like a crown, to protect the tooth. A Variety of Dental insurance is accepted!

Recovery

You will be numb for a few hours, but most patients find that they can resume normal activity the same day.

You may find that you have some oral discomfort following the procedure, which is completely normal. If you have intense pain right after the treatment, contact your General dentist immediately.

There is a small risk of infection, which would require another root canal. Make sure to revisit your dentist if any root canal symptoms linger way past the procedure.