It’s hard to know if you need a root canal. It’s always best to go to the dentist as soon as you feel any pain or discomfort in your teeth. I’m sure that most of us would love to be able to tell if we just need better oral hygiene efforts or dental work ourselves, but this is something that can only be determined by a trained dentist.

You will start to feel physical symptoms when a dental problem has become more advanced. If you leave a problem untreated, you might end up with an infected tooth and a root canal on your hands.

A root canal is a method used to repair and save teeth that have suffered badly from tooth decay or infection. When the pulp of your tooth, which is composed of vessels and nerves, is damaged, it needs to be removed, and the inside of your tooth is then cleaned and sealed.

If you have a problem with your teeth at the moment, there are a few signs you should look out for that may lead to requiring a root canal:

  1. Persistent Pain

    The first major sign to look out for is pain. If you feel pain in your teeth, this is a serious indicator that something is wrong with the health of your tooth. If you struggle eating or drinking without feeling pain, you must see a dentist as soon as possible.

    At Marx Family Dental, our dental team will examine your tooth to see if the gums, blood vessels or nerves have become inflamed or infected. They will then recommend an appropriate treatment which may be a root canal depending on the severity of the infection.

  2. Chipped or Cracked Tooth

    Teeth can get chipped or cracked from sports, hard foods or even dental procedures that have gone poorly. If your tooth was damaged, it can expose the nerves below the surface, making it more vulnerable to infection. An infection in the root of your tooth can quickly enter the bloodstream and spread. If left untreated, a root canal may be the first course of action.

  3. Temperature Sensitivity

    If your tooth aches when you drink hot beverages or iced foods or drinks, damaged blood vessels and nerve endings may be the source of your pain.

  4. Swollen Gums

    Swollen gums are an obvious indicator of pain below the surface. If your gums are painful, swollen, or have raised bumps, professional dental help is recommended. Your dentist will be able to see if inflammation or infection is to blame.

  5. Discoloration

    While discoloration can be the result of food or drinks that stain tooth enamel, in some cases, it can be an indicator of nerve damage beneath the tooth’s surface. It’s important to look out for dark discoloration of the affected tooth.

  6. General Sensitivity

    Alongside sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, if it hurts when you put pressure on your tooth, without signs of improvement, a root canal may be the best solution to resolve this pain.

    Tooth sensitivity is typically the result of a damaged root which does not heal on its own. To get rid of the pain for good, your dentist may recommend a root canal.

If you have one or more of these signs, or if you are generally concerned about the health of your teeth, don’t worry! At Marx Family Dental, we are experienced in providing a professional, comfortable and kind environment for all dental treatments, including root canals.

Give us a call today to set up an appointment and find out what treatments will work best for you.