Finding out you need a root canal can seem daunting, even devastating, but the procedure isn’t as bad as you may think it’s going to be. Moreover, waiting to get a root canal when you need one can lead to several serious issues. As such, we recommend learning the four signs you need a root canal to protect your oral health.
Here at Downtown Dental Studio, we provide treatments for tooth and gum problems, including root canals. Fadi Beydoun, DMD, MS, Alexander Kimon, DMD, and Karina Zaygermakher, DMD, all understand the importance of this treatment and catch the need for it early.
A recent study found that many patients lack knowledge about root canal treatment. For one, people may know it’s a dental treatment, but they don’t know why a person would get it. Another problem is that patients may be focused on their understanding that the procedure is painful, which causes fear and a decreased likelihood of seeking it out.
A root canal is performed when a tooth becomes infected and begins to decay. The pulp inside the tooth can be removed to save the outer shell, which is what a root canal entails. This is often better than waiting until the tooth becomes so decayed that it needs to be removed entirely.
Some people avoid root canals because they misunderstand them and fear that the procedure will hurt immensely. However, root canals don’t hurt any more than any other dental work, as anesthesia is provided to perform them safely.
But how do you know you need a root canal? What are the signs that this procedure is necessary to save your infected tooth? Start looking for these four symptoms regularly, and if you notice them, make an appointment with your provider immediately.
A tooth that changes color is often a sign that something's wrong. When the tooth roots become infected, the tooth's color changes from white or off-white to brown or gray. This is noticeable because it will specifically show on the affected tooth. If you notice one of your teeth changing color, it's important to get it looked at.
When the tooth root becomes infected, you can feel it. One of the signs is sensitivity to hot or cold drinks or foods. If you notice your tooth reacts every time you reach for your morning iced coffee or when you take a bite of a warm lasagna, you'll want to find out if it's infected.
Your gums can also tell you if you may need a root canal. The gum line around the infected tooth may look red or be sensitive to the touch. This can dissipate, but it’ll usually come back. Sometimes, a small abscess can form on the gums as well.
Continuous pain is often the main reason people seek a root canal. And if you notice that your tooth hurts regularly and often, it's a good sign that you need one. You may feel pain in your tooth, jaw, or face. This is known as referred pain. Whatever the case, noticing this kind of consistent discomfort is a good reason to get help.
It's hard to know for sure without a proper exam, but if you notice a combination of these symptoms, it's likely you're dealing with an infected tooth root. It's absolutely best to find out what the problem is as soon as possible, though, as this can help you avoid pain and possibly more serious consequences down the road.
Make an appointment at our Financial District office in New York City, NY. Call 212-964-3337 or visit us online. We look forward to helping you.
