When Do You Need a Root Canal?

The American Association of Endodontists strongly recommends a root canal if your dental root and pulp are damaged or infected. This procedure aims to relieve your pain and discomfort. Your dentist will assess your tooth first and then suggest this treatment to save your tooth. Knowing when you need a root canal can help you prepare for it. Here are the details.

Temperature Sensitivity

You may need a root canal treatment if your tooth hurts when you eat or drink something hot or cold. The sharp pain persists even after you stop eating or drinking. This symptom may tell you that your tooth’s nerves and blood vessels are damaged or infected. You will need a root canal if the pain is preventing you from enjoying eating.

Continuous Pain

This is a sign that you may need a root canal treatment. The pain will not stop permanently. It might disappear sometimes, but it always comes back. The pain may be deep in your jawbone. This could spread to your other teeth and face. You should see your dentist right away if you are having this type of pain. That way, you can find out if you need to correct the problem with an emergency root canal.

Dental Discoloration

A pulp infection can cause tooth discoloration. Tooth decay or trauma can damage your dental roots. This can lead to a grayish or dark appearance. The discoloration signals the death of the pulp. The tooth dies because it does not receive enough blood. This is a definite sign that you need a root canal.

Dental discoloration is easier to catch if it happens to the front teeth. A dental check will allow your dentist to see if there are also discolored teeth in the back. Your dentist will decide if you need an immediate root canal or schedule it for your next appointment. Treating the tooth right away can save it and prevent further infection.

Gum Swelling

This can happen near a painful tooth. It could be a sign that the tooth needs a root canal. The inflammation may recur. The gum may be tender to the touch. In some cases, there could be no pain at all.

A dead pulp releases waste products that consist of dead tissue. This may result in the swelling of the area outside the root tip. The waste products may result in an abscess, gum boil, or parulis. It oozes pus from the dental infection. This can cause foul breath and leave a bitter taste in your mouth.

Unstable Tooth

The waste products of a dying tooth can soften the bond around the tooth. This softens the jawbone that supports the dental root, which loosens the tooth. The mobility may be a sign of nerve death. Your dentist will recommend a root canal treatment for this. If there are several loose teeth, the infection might have spread to the other teeth already.

A root canal can improve your dental and general health. At Above & Beyond Dental, we provide the highest level of dental care for any dental issue. Visit our facility in Bedford, Texas, for an in-person consultation. Call us at 817-571-1667 to schedule an appointment or ask more questions about our root canal treatment packages.