Ah, the root canal. Just the mere mention of it can strike fear into the hearts of even the bravest of souls.
Let's be real. Nobody wants to endure a root canal. But the fact of the matter is, sometimes it's inevitable.
Your tooth's been through a lot - from that time you bit into that ice cream cone too aggressively to that time you didn't floss for a week (don't worry, we won't tell anyone). And sometimes, all that wear and tear results in a little dental emergency.
But don't panic just yet! In this blog post, we're going to take a deep dive into all the signs that you might need a root canal and figure out exactly when it's time to call in the big guns (aka the professionals at Fountains Dental Care).
Tooth pain can be caused by a variety of factors, but one of the most common causes is an infected or damaged tooth.
If you have a toothache that persists for more than a few days, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible. This type of pain can indicate that the tooth's pulp, which contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue, is infected or damaged.
If left untreated, this can lead to an abscess, which can cause more severe pain and potentially spread to other areas of the body.
Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures is a rather uncomfortable sign of an infected or damaged tooth. This sensitivity can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, and it can be triggered by eating or drinking something hot or cold.
This is caused by the inflammation or damage of the tooth's pulp, which contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. The tooth's pulp can become inflamed or damaged due to a variety of factors, such as tooth decay, a cracked tooth, or trauma to the tooth.
If you are experiencing sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the tooth and the potential spread of infection.
Swelling or tenderness in the gums can manifest as a small bump or a larger, swollen area around the affected tooth. The gums may also be sensitive to the touch and may bleed when brushed or flossed.
This is caused by the infection or damage of the tooth's root, which is the part of the tooth that extends into the jawbone. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding gums and bones, leading to further damage and potential loss of the tooth.
If you notice swelling or tenderness in your gums, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible.
Another sign that you may need a root canal is a noticeable change in the color of your teeth.
If you notice that a tooth has become discolored or dark, it could be a sign that the tooth's pulp is damaged. The tooth's pulp is the soft tissue located inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels.
The discoloration can range from a subtle change to a noticeable darkening of the tooth. A root canal procedure may be necessary to remove the damaged pulp and save the tooth.
Don't ignore the warning signs - if you're experiencing tooth pain, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, swelling or tenderness in the gums, or discoloration of the tooth, it may be time to see your dentist for a root canal.
A root canal isn’t that big of a deal, and it hardly takes 30-60 minutes to perform (don't believe it? Check out the whole process here.)
Remember, a toothache is not something you should brush off, it's a sign that your tooth is in distress and needs immediate attention.
Reach out to our team at Fountains Dental Care to book your appointment now!
