Do I Need A Root Canal? Possible Signs And Symptoms

Two questions that we get at Innovative Endodontics are “Do I need a root canal?” and “Does getting a root canal hurt?”. Determining you need a root canal is not based only on your symptoms. However, if you do show signs of needing a root canal, come and see us. Our doctors can give your tooth an in-depth look to determine if root canal therapy can correct the source of your discomfort. And we will do everything to help you to feel comfortable and have a painless procedure.

Why You Might Need a Root Canal

Root canal therapy treats damage to the inside of a tooth. This harm to the interior comes from bacteria entering the tooth from a crack. When the bacteria multiply, they can cause infection. This inflammation causes the pressure and discomfort people to have to report before getting root canal treatment.

Endodontists perform root canals whenever bacteria enter the inside of the tooth. This might happen due to a broken, cracked or tooth with a cavity. 

If you do need a root canal, you’re not alone. A study of the prevalence of people with root canals found that more than half of people worldwide had this procedure. Closer to home, the American Association of Endodontists notes that each year dental professionals perform more than 15 million root canals and 41,000 daily.

Getting root canal treatment may save your natural tooth from loss caused by extensive infection. In addition, the procedure should be comfortable from start to finish. 

Signs That You May Need a Root Canal

How do you know if you need a root canal? Only a dental professional, such as an endodontist, can tell you the answer. They will need to take x-rays and an exam to determine the best treatment for you. 

Therefore, don’t assume that you need a root canal or not based on your symptoms. If you have any of the following problems, you should have your teeth evaluated by an endodontist.

Pain or Discomfort

Never ignore dental pain or discomfort. If you have pain or discomfort that persists or feels worse when you bite down, you likely have a problem that needs assessment. This unpleasant feeling alone could indicate gum disease, tooth decay, a missing filling, an impacted tooth, or sinus problems.

Another type of dental pain common in those needing root canal treatment is when you feel discomfort when touching the tooth. Intense pain caused by biting or touching a tooth could indicate inflammation inside the canals. Infection can cause the pulp inside the tooth to die, which causes discomfort in the ligaments holding the tooth in place. This ligament sensitivity causes an uncomfortable experience whenever you bite down or touch the tooth.  

Some people who eventually need root canal treatment may have uncomfortable sensations that constantly come and go. In some instances, the discomfort from the tooth is felt in your head, face, or jaw. Any dental pain in your mouth or jaw that does not go away needs a closer look by a professional. X-rays can reveal whether you need root canal treatment to save the tooth or if you have another problem.

Sensitivity

Sensitivity in a tooth means that you have discomfort after eating or drinking anything hot, cold, or sweet. The uncomfortable sensation may feel like a dull throb or a sharp stab. If this continues for a minute or longer after you remove the source, you should see an endodontist. This type of persistent sensitivity in a single tooth could indicate nerve irritation or damage.

Swelling

Do you have swelling in your gums or a single area that looks like a pimple on your gums? Redness and inflammation in your gums always warrant a trip to a dental professional. If you have gum disease, your dentist or a periodontist can help. However, you need an endodontist if you have an infection inside the tooth. Swelling in the gum could indicate infection inside the tooth, causing infectious material to build up at the tip. Root canal treatment cleans out the infection from the inside of the tooth, stopping the gum swelling from the source.

Tooth Discoloration

Discoloration in a single tooth, especially a darkening of the tooth, is not only a cosmetic problem. The discoloration could indicate damage to the blood vessels or pulp inside the tooth. Treatment for these conditions is a root canal that removes the infection that caused the damage.

The discoloration is more visible on the front teeth, and you may not have dental pain with the problem. If you notice a darkening or graying of a single tooth, visit an endodontist to see if you need a root canal to save your tooth.

Cracked Tooth,

The root canals inside your teeth should remain sealed. Any breach into the canals can bring bacteria inside the tooth, which can infect the pulp and cause discomfort. A cracked tooth needs care from an endodontist to prevent bacterial proliferation and tooth loss.

Depending on the orientation and length of the crack, an endodontist could help maintain the tooth, part, or none of the tooth with root canal therapy or endodontic surgery. The only way to have the chance to save a cracked tooth is with a trip to an endodontist to have the tooth examined.

Schedule a Visit with Us at Innovative Endodontics for an Exam to See If You Need Root Canal Therapy

Wondering, “Do I need a root canal?” Stop questioning yourself and make sure to make an appointment with an endodontist for care. Getting a root canal does not hurt, and you can avoid needing an extraction. Get relief from your sensitivity and pain or discomfort with root canal treatment that can save the affected tooth. Contact us at Innovative Endodontics to get high-tech care that includes old-fashioned compassion for all our patients.