When people have a toothache, they sometimes visit their dentist to find out what’s wrong.
However, it can be hard to figure out if you need a root canal. If your dentist says there might be an infection, then you have to make a big decision: do you want to repair (filling or root canal) the tooth or extract it?
Whenever you need to repair a tooth, your dentist will likely recommend a root canal. If you’ve ever been curious about what exactly this process entails, never fear — we’re here to help!
In this procedure, the pulp of the tooth — which consists of nerves and blood vessels — will be removed. The inside of the empty tooth will then be cleaned and sealed.
If a tooth becomes badly decayed or infected, root canal therapy is the best way to save it.
Below are some of the indicators that show you need a root canal treatment (RCT):
#1 Persistent pain
There are a few things that can cause you to experience pain in your teeth. This pain can hit you without warning and be so painful that you have trouble doing daily tasks.
If this happens, see your nearby dentist — he or she will examine your tooth to see whether or not it has inflamed blood vessels or nerves.
If this is the case, he or she might choose to perform a root canal to make sure it’s as healthy as possible.
#2 Chipped tooth
If a tooth gets chipped or cracked, it can lead to some serious issues. An infection can occur due to the exposed nerves beneath the tooth’s surface, which then enters the bloodstream and leads to other complications in the body.
A cracked tooth can lead to massive amounts of pain, as well as a slew of other problems.
When your tooth gets damaged, it has to undergo root canal therapy to prevent an infection. If the infection spreads into your bloodstream, you could wind up with an even more serious problem than just a broken tooth.
So, you must consult a dentist near you to know if you are the right candidate for root canal treatment.
#3 Swollen gums
You’re probably familiar with swollen gums — but you may not be aware that this is a symptom of periodontitis, a disease that can destroy your gums and the entirety of your jaw. This can end up requiring a root canal, which means you’ll need to visit an oral surgeon.
So, if you are also suffering from swollen gums, visit a dentist near you and get your situation diagnosed.
#4 Prolonged sensitivity
If you’re feeling pain, numbness, or sensitivity in a tooth, it means that it’s probably infected.
The damage is caused by the inner pulp of your tooth, which becomes inflamed and infected. In other words, you need a root canal.
A root canal is the only way to ensure a fully-healed tooth, and it can improve your smile and your overall health in the long run.
#5 Deep decay
A cavity does not occur overnight. Dental decay can start on the very first day you start brushing your teeth and there is nothing you can do about it.
The first symptom of a cavity is usually a sensitivity in the tooth which means that the nerve is already dead. If a cavity is ignored, it will spread down, deep into the root of the tooth where it will be nearly impossible to treat without a root canal.
#6 Discolored tooth
A discolored tooth is the result of poor dental care and can be caused by many things including a mild sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink, exposure to food and drink that stains teeth, or trauma to the tooth.
Root canal treatment can be the only solution for your discolored tooth sometimes. Visit your dentist if you also have a discolored tooth to know if you really need an RCT therapy.
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