Did you know that orthodontists perform nearly 15 million root canal treatments every year? Root canal treatments are dental procedures needed when the core of your teeth is infected. The core of the teeth is also called the dental pulp, which is the innermost layer of the tooth that contains the nerves and blood vessels.
These treatments aim to treat the infection and save your tooth before it decays entirely or needs to be extracted.
If you think you need a root canal, here are some symptoms you should watch out for.
Chipped or Cracked Tooth
Even though the outermost part of the tooth - the tooth enamel is harder than steel, it can sometimes chip or crack when biting something hard or playing a sport. A cracked tooth can give way to bacteria entering the tooth and can cause painful inflammation and infection.
Tooth Pain That Doesn't Go Away
Persistent pain is one of the most common signs that you may require a root canal procedure. If you have tooth pain without any stimulation and are experiencing deep random pain, your tooth nerves may be infected. The pain can sometimes spread to your jaw, face, or other teeth. Other reasons include gum infection, tooth decay, sinus infection, or a damaged filling. Whatever the reason, it is always a good idea to visit your dentist immediately when in pain.
Sensitivity to Heat and Cold
Does your tooth hurt when you eat ice cream or have a cup of coffee? If the pain lingers for more than a few seconds, it might mean that your tooth's blood vessels and nerves are infected or damaged.
Sometimes you can also experience a dull ache or a sharp pain when you eat sweets – this might be because of a damaged filling or nerve damage that requires immediate attention.
Swollen Gums
Try running your tongue along the gum, you might feel a tiny bump around the infected tooth. This swelling is probably because the dead tissue cells accumulated around the tooth, indicating an active infection. This tiny bump can ooze pus, leave you with an unpleasant taste, and cause bad breath.
Sometimes when the pus does not drain out, your jaw can be visibly swollen.
Tooth Discoloration
When the core of your tooth is infected, it decreases the blood flow and makes the tooth appear darker. The infection can break down the internal tissue, damage the root, and might give your teeth a grayish-black appearance. It is often easier to spot the discoloration in the front teeth.
Loose Tooth
If your tooth feels shaky, this could indicate that your nerve is infected. The waste products from the dead nerves can soften the bone around the tooth, causing it to become loose. But, if you have more than one loose tooth, you may require treatment other than a root canal – consulting a dentist is the most suitable for timely treatment and the best results.
If you are experiencing discomfort or tooth pain, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible. The dedicated team of doctors at East Lansing Modern Dental will give you the best possible treatment with the help of modern technology.
Contact us to know more.