Root canal treatment is used to repair and save teeth that have become badly decayed or infected. When the pulp of the tooth is damaged, it needs to be removed and the inside of the tooth cleaned and sealed to prevent further problems.
In this month’s blog the team at KentEndo have put together a list of seven signs that mean you might need root canal treatment:
- Persistent Pain
Pain is one of the main indicators that something is wrong with the root of your tooth. If you have trouble doing normal activities such as drinking or eating without feeling pain, you should see your dentist as soon as you can.
- Chipped Or Cracked Tooth
When a tooth gets cracked or chipped, it can expose the nerves beneath the surface of the tooth and lead to an infection. An infection in a tooth’s root can enter the bloodstream and spread. An untreated infection requires root canal treatment to prevent further infection and pain.
- Sensitivity To Heat or Cold
If your tooth aches when you drink hot drinks such as coffee or tea, this is a problem. What starts as a dull ache can progress into a sharp, intense pain requiring root canal treatment.
- Swollen Gums
Swollen gums are a sign of problems beneath the surface. If your gums are painful and swollen or have a raised bump on them, your dentist will examine the swollen gums to see if inflammation is to blame. In some cases, root canal treatment is needed to solve the problem of inflamed gums if they don’t improve.
- Discoloured Tooth
A discoloured tooth can be the result of poor hygiene, exposure to food and drink that stains tooth enamel, or due to nerve damage beneath the tooth’s surface. When nerve and blood vessel damage occur, your dentist will have you schedule an appointment for root canal treatment to remove the damaged pulp.
- Prolonged Sensitivity
If it hurts when you put pressure on your tooth, and that sensitivity lasts for weeks or months without improvement, a root canal might be in your future. Prolonged tooth sensitivity is typically the result of a damaged root, and these won’t heal on their own.
- Deep Decay
Once deep decay has set in within the base of your tooth, no amount of brushing, flossing, or rinsing with mouth wash will solve the problem. If a cavity has been neglected for too long it will spread down into the nerve and the root of the tooth. In such a scenario, root canal treatment is likely the only option for repair.
This is why regular oral hygiene and regular dentist appointments are so important. When your teeth and gums are neglected, infection and disease will spread and what might have been a small fix can become much more serious.
Don’t Panic, Get It Taken Care of Today!
The truth is, it hurts a lot more to continue on with a damaged tooth or teeth than to undergo a root canal procedure. In fact, most patients say the procedure was painless. Though you can expect to feel some minor aches and sensitivity once the anaesthetic wears off, these small discomforts will subside within a couple of weeks.
At KentEndo you can be safe in the knowledge that you will always receive the highest possible level of care, in a relaxed and calm environment, ensuring that you can keep your teeth as healthy as possible for as long as possible. If you would like more information or have any questions do not hesitate to ring the surgery on 01622 225555
