With more than 41,000 root canal treatments performed each year, you are definitely not alone if your dentist says you should consider a root canal treatment.

In this month’s blog the team at KentEndo look at the symptoms which may mean you need a root canal treatment.

It is important to inform your dentist about any of the following symptoms:

Severe Pain

Any pain in your mouth is unpleasant and should be mentioned to your dentist, but certain types of pain may signify root canal pain.

If you have spontaneous pain that hits you like a wave, it is likely that you have an infected or dead tooth that may need root canal treatment.

Are there certain positions in which your gums or tooth hurt worse? When you lay down or bend down is there a pressure on your tooth and face? This may be root canal pain.

Sensitivity to Hot and Cold

You can have sensitivity to hot and cold without needing root canal treatment. For those needing root canal treatment, the sensitivity and pain from the hot and cold lingers long after the drink or food.

Swollen Gums

If you have noticed that your gums are swollen it may be a sign of an infected tooth. Sometimes we can have inflamed gums after flossing or brushing too hard, this is different. The swollen gums will be tender and a bit painful to the touch and will remain swollen.

Chipped or Cracked Tooth

A chipped or cracked tooth is a two-fold sign of a tooth that may need root canal treatment. For one, perhaps there was trauma on the tooth that created the chip or crack and has now caused in-flamed or infected pulp. Secondly, the tooth may be so far decayed or infected that it is cracked or chipped from being dead. Either way, you will need root canal treatmentto try to save the remainder of the tooth.

Tender Gums

If your gums are tender to the touch, or even without touch, you may have root canal pain. When at the dentist, be sure to mention your tender gums.

An Abscess

An abscess is something that will be seen on an x-ray as a dark spot. It is basically a hole in the jawbone because bone will not grow around an infection. This is one of the main signs that you may need root canal treatment.

Do not put your tooth and your health at risk, schedule a dental exam today!

With KentEndo, you can be safe in the knowledge that you will receive the highest possible level of care, in a relaxed and calm environment. If you would like more information or have any questions do not hesitate to ring the surgery on 01622225555.