Your teeth comprise several layers – the outermost layer or enamel, a dentin layer, and a soft inner core that extends into your tooth root. The core also houses the dental pulp, which is where connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves are found in your teeth. Consequently, when the core gets infected or inflamed due to decay, you can experience crippling pain, tooth loss, nerve damage, and more. Such cases often require a root canal Bellevue to clean out the decay. And while only a dentist can determine the need for a root canal, there are signs that can alert you to seek one. Here is a look at five.
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Swollen Gums
Swollen gums around a painful tooth are a tell-tale sign of root problems. Usually, the gum in question is often tender to the touch, although it can be painless. It may also form a pimple that oozes puss due to the infection in your tooth. The puss can leave an unpleasant taste in your mouth and cause halitosis or bad breath. It is important to get a tooth canal before the pimple bursts and drains into your mouth.
Recurring or Persistent Pain
Tooth pain that comes and goes or persists even when you are not eating could signify a serious infection. This kind of pain may appear in your tooth, deep in the bone, or be referred to your other teeth, jaw, or face. While multiple conditions could be causing it, it is important to get an early diagnosis from your dentist to rule out the need for a root canal.
Sensitivity
You may need a root canal if your tooth is sensitive to the touch or hurts when you drink or eat something cold or hot. This sensitivity, which may feel like a sharp pain or a dull ache, could be a sign of damage or infection. But because it could be caused by anything from over-chewing to crunchy foods, you should only consider a trip to the dentist if the pain is unbearable or persistent.
Discoloration
Sometimes, decay and infection can be so extensive that it causes your teeth to become discolored. This is often the result of damaged roots caused by trauma or internal tissue breakdown. Whatever the cause, your teeth may appear grayish-black – almost like ash. The discoloration will be more noticeable in the front of your teeth and should prompt you to seek a root canal.
Loose Teeth
Infected teeth can often feel loose due to nerve death (pulpal necrosis). When nerve death occurs, the affected nerves release acidic waste into your pulp, which can soften the jawbone surrounding your tooth and cause mobility. This is a sure sign to schedule a root canal with your dentist.
Schedule Your Root Canal Today
While these five signs may not always result in a root canal, it is better to be safe than sorry. Seeking early treatment can improve your chances of a quick and complete recovery. When you visit your provider with a complaint, they will perform a CT scan and consider your symptoms to determine whether a root canal is necessary. This treatment aims to eliminate decay and bacteria from the core, disinfect the area, and fill empty pockets in your roots. Call a dental clinic to learn more today.
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