Root canal issues can be identified by many different symptoms. Some of these symptoms can be recognized by the patient while others will take the trained eye of a dentist to identify. Pain and swelling are normal indicators that there is a problem with a tooth. This does not necessarily mean that you are in need of a root canal but that there is an underlying problem with your oral health. There are certain symptoms that may only be obvious to your dentist so even if it hurts only a little take the time to get it checked by a professional. Remember, your overall health has been discovered to be directly related to your teeth, so getting a root canal and preventing further problems is not about just preserving your smile.
How Do I Know If I Need a Root Canal?
Any mild discomfort or swelling of your mouth is a sure sign that something is wrong but there are many other symptoms that you should be aware of.
- Severe persistent pain that interrupts sleep and daily eating habits is a sign of dying nerves in your tooth. This can cause abscess, which is the swelling of the gum around the infected area and can become very painful.
- Sensitivity to hot food or cold drinks are a clear indication that there is a problem.
- Darkening of teeth can make them stand out among healthy teeth.
- If pain occurs when biting down or rubbing your tongue across the tooth this is a sign of infection or inflammation around the area of the root.
- Wear and tear on teeth can leave them chipped or cracked causing significant pain to the jaw possibly even moving to the ear and temple.
How Will My Dentist Know If I Need a Root Canal?
In most situations, these symptoms can mean that you need a root canal but in some cases, there are no signs leaving your dentist to make the diagnoses. Your dentist will let you know through a series of tests and questions whether or not a root canal is needed. Your dentist will perform an x-ray to check for signs of infection. If there is infection, these x-rays will show whether or not you have periodontal gum abscess, which has similar symptoms to root canal problems. Ruling this out is important as not to be diagnosed improperly.
Preparing for a Root Canal
Your dentist will tell you what you need to do to prepare for your root canal at your initial consultation. Expect in cases of extreme emergency, your dentist will make you an appointment to come back after x-rays are taken and the need for the root canal is determined.
These are just some of the top signs that you need a root canal. The one thing you should never do is ignore the signs and symptoms. The problem will not go away, it will only get worse, resulting in more pain in the end.
