What’s a Root Canal and What Symptoms Indicate I May Need One Soon?

Each year, the dentist performs around 15 million root canals.

So what's a root canal, and why would you need one? In this article, we will explore root canal symptoms, root canal pain, and more, so you know what to expect.

A root canal is a procedure designed to rescue a tooth from severe decay.

Inside your tooth is a whole other world of nerves, tissues, and blood vessels all located in an area called the pulp. If disease and decay begin to develop here in the pulp, this is where a root canal is needed.

If the decay is not removed, the bacteria can infect surrounding areas and even causing an abscess or other health problems.

There are many reasons why you might need a root canal. Tooth trauma, repeated procedures, and chipped or cracked teeth can all contribute to a root canal. A trip to your local dentist's office can assess the pain.

In the past, root canals were treated in a variety of ways, ranging from a bronze wire in ancient times, to the technological advances we have today. In some cases, the decay would mean extracting the entire tooth instead of simply removing the problem.

Because of the introduction to anesthesia and x-rays, this has made root canals a fairly uncomplicated and can be completed in just a visit or two depending on the severity.

While it's safe to say that no dental procedure is without its discomforts, with today's advances in technology, a root canal can be quite painless. This is due to the use of anesthesia to numb the mouth while the dentist removes the decay from your tooth.

The length of the time of a root canal varies because each person's decay is different, but it's typically a little bit longer than having a filling.

The symptoms of a root canal can vary according to the depth and degree of decay, but these symptoms listed below are all possible.

Having all these symptoms doesn't guarantee you have a root canal, but could mean other dental problems, so always contact your dentist with any tooth discomfort.

1. Pain

Pain that doesn't alleviate with normal OTC medications is a good sign that you might have a root canal, especially if it keeps returning. Pain might not be localized to the tooth, but may affect the surrounding areas of the mouth and face.

It's always best to visit your dentist whenever you have continuous tooth pain.

2. Gum Swelling or Boils

The swelling of the gums happens because of inflammation due to infection and bacteria. Your gums may be sensitive to the touch or you might have difficulty doing your regular oral care or even eating.

In some cases, a pimple may appear on your gums. This is a boil or an abscess that appears and could cause discomfort especially if it leaks puss.

3. Sensitivity

Cold and warm drinks or food may cause irritation and a tingling sensation if you have a root canal. The pain may be persistent and could continue long after you stop eating.

If you touch your tooth and it's painful, it could be a sign that you need a root canal. The sensitivity is due to the death of the pulp.

4. Loose Teeth

Losing teeth when you're a child is normal, but losing them as an adult is not. If your tooth feels loose if you try and move it, you may need a root canal.

Tooth movement occurs due to acid products in the pulp that stem from the decay. This can make the bone soft and cause the tooth to move.

5. Trauma

Any trauma that causes damage to the tooth especially chipped or cracked teeth have the potential to need a root canal. Any accidental or injury may not necessarily lead to a chip or crack, but nerve damage could still happen.

If you've recently been in an accident or suffered from a mouth injury accompanied by constant pain and the above symptoms, you should contact your dentist.

6. Discoloration

A tooth that looks gray in appearance probably already has lost its blood supply due to nerve and vessel damage. This could mean that you need a root canal as well.

There are a few things to expect after your root canal procedure.

You may experience some soreness or tenderness around the tooth that had the root canal. Yet, even though you may have numbing for a few hours afterward, you can typically return to normal activity and eating in a short period.

Your dentist may also prescribe an antibiotic to prevent further infection.

An endodontist is a dentist that specializes in root canal and treatments. They have spent more years than a general dentist studying and can treat root canals effectively. Endodontists are knowledgeable and skilled by helping you manage your pain and using the latest technologies to care for the root canal.

Endodontic treatment is when an endodontist takes x-rays of your troublesome tooth. When the time comes for the procedure, they will administer the anesthesia to numb the tooth and applies a dental dam around the tooth to keep it dry.

The endodontist then uses tools to clean out the decay. Once the decay is cleared away, the endodontist makes a space for the filling called the gutta-percha, which is then solidified in the tooth.

In some cases, a temporary covering may go over the tooth until a permanent covering may be applied for protection.

When you've answered the question, "What's a root canal?" you can feel at ease during the root canal treatment.

If you think you need a root canal or need a dentist to examine your teeth, contact our office today to schedule your appointment.