Key signs you may need a root canal
Root canals often evoke feelings of fear and apprehension due to their association with dental discomfort. However, these procedures are essential for saving damaged teeth and alleviating severe dental soreness. If you’re experiencing certain symptoms, it might be an indication that you need a root canal.
If you need a root canal, our dentist South Yarra will be happy to perform it, provided that your tooth is in good condition! We know that many patients are scared of root canals, but we promise it will alleviate the soreness and help you to feel better quickly.
In this article, our dentist South Yarra explores 5 prominent signs that suggest you might require this dental intervention.
Persistent and intense tooth pain
One of the most common and prominent signs that someone might need a root canal is persistent and intense dental discomfort. This pain typically lingers even after the stimulus that triggered it is removed, such as after consuming hot or cold foods or beverages. The pain might be throbbing, sharp, or shooting and can disrupt your daily life. This type of pain arises when the inner area of the tooth, which contains nerves and blood vessels and is called the pulp, becomes inflamed or infected. A root canal treatment, in this instance, becomes necessary to remove the damaged pulp and relieve the pain, and our dentist South Yarra can do this treatment with ease.
Sensitivity to temperature changes
Sensitivity to temperature changes, particularly extreme temperatures, is another key indicator of potential root canal issues. If you find yourself wincing in discomfort when sipping a hot coffee or enjoying an ice-cold treat, it could be a sign that the nerve inside your tooth is compromised. While mild sensitivity is normal and can often be addressed with desensitising toothpaste, persistent and severe sensitivity might signal the need for a root canal.
Swollen or tender gums
Swollen, tender, or discoloured gums around a specific tooth can signal an underlying dental problem that requires attention. When bacteria reach the root of one of your teeth, it can cause inflammation in the surrounding gum tissues. This can lead to tenderness, redness, and even the formation of a pimple-like bump called a dental abscess. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult our dental team promptly, as an untreated infection can cause sepsis. So, be sure to call us if you suspect that you have one!
Darkening or discolouration of the tooth
If you notice that one of your teeth has started to darken or change colour, it could be an indication of internal damage. A tooth that has been traumatised or has an infected pulp can lose its natural vitality, resulting in discolouration. This change in colour might be subtle at first, but it can progress over time. Addressing the issue early on with a root canal can prevent further damage and potentially save the tooth from extraction.
Pain while chewing or applying pressure
Experiencing pain while chewing or applying pressure to a specific tooth can be a sign that the tooth’s pulp is compromised. The act of biting down or chewing can exacerbate the inflammation or infection within the tooth, leading to discomfort. This type of pain might be accompanied by a feeling of pressure or aching around the affected tooth. Ignoring this symptom can lead to the worsening of the dental problem and potentially necessitate more invasive procedures in the future.
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.
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