How to Know if You Need a Root Canal
There are a few signs that may indicate the need for root canal treatment. These include tooth pain, sensitivity to heat and cold, tooth discoloration, and gum swelling. In addition, some tooth injuries—particularly tooth concussion—can warrant a root canal procedure.
The first step in determining whether or not you require a root canal is to be aware of your symptoms. Then, if you have any of the symptoms on this list, go for diagnostic testing and consult an experienced restorative dentist.
Signs that You Might Need a Root Canal Procedure
The most common reasons individuals may consider a root canal are tooth pain and tooth injuries, especially tooth concussion. In these instances, tooth pain may become moderate to severe and lead a person to seek out dental advice.
When deciding between dental procedures, it’s best to be guided by an experienced dentist—like Dr. Salin in Bakersfield, CA—who has performed thousands of root canals. In the meantime, these are some signs to watch out for if you believe you might require root canal therapy:
Tooth Pain
Tooth pain, especially while biting or applying pressure, is a common sign that a person may need a root canal procedure. If the pain persists even after you stop eating or drinking for an extended period of time, this can signal an infected tooth.
Tooth pain that lingers—along with swelling and gum tenderness—may indicate that the nerve or blood vessels surrounding your tooth have become damaged or infected. An infected tooth can also elicit an extreme sensitivity to biting.
Pay attention to tooth pain that:
Pulsates
Is constant
Is so severe that it doesn’t allow you to sleep at night and/or can’t be relieved by painkillers
Is exacerbated by specific stimuli, such as tapping, pressure, or consuming hot or cold food and liquids
While severe pain does not always indicate a need for root canal therapy, it is a good idea to consult a dentist to determine the source of the pain and decide how to move forward.
Tooth Sensitivity
Teeth that experience lingering sensitivity after consuming hot and cold foods and beverages may have exposed nerves, nerve damage, or a swollen nerve. Even if the sensitivity isn’t accompanied by severe pain, it’s still best to get the tooth checked out.
Tooth Discoloration
The presence of tooth discoloration alone may not indicate a need for root canal surgery. However, if you notice tooth discoloration that is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain or sensitivity to heat or cold, a dentist might determine that a root canal procedure is required.
Gum Symptoms
If you notice a small bump on the gum next to the affected tooth, this could indicate an underlying infection. Because gum pain and swelling can also be caused by gum diseases (rather than anything tooth-related), it’s best to see a dentist to determine the cause of your symptoms and find out whether the tooth root is involved.
Tooth Injury or Tooth Concussion
A tooth injury—in particular, a tooth concussion which is one of the most common types of tooth trauma—may cause teeth to hurt and become permanently discolored. Tooth concussions typically cause pain, sensitivity, and swelling. If the injury has damaged the nerves in a natural tooth, you may need a root canal. A dentist can examine the tooth and order X-rays to determine the extent of the damage and see whether or not a root canal is required.
Vertical Root Fractures
If a dentist determines that a tooth or teeth have been subjected to vertical cracks, this may be a sign of a vertical root fracture. A vertical root fracture can occur from chewing on hard foods like ice or candies as well as from accidents.
When a vertical root fracture occurs, bacteria can enter the root canal system and cause an infection. This can result in pain, swelling, and even abscesses. If you have a tooth concussion, tooth injury, or cracked tooth, you should seek immediate dental care to avoid further damage or infection.
Alternatives to Root Canals
A root canal is a safe and common procedure that is performed when tooth decay or infection reaches the root. However, depending on the severity of the issue, a tooth can sometimes be saved without the need for a root canal. If this is the case, a dental filling or dental crown may suffice.
Conversely, a more extensive dental procedure may be required if an infection has spread to the gums or bone or if severe tooth injury has occurred. Vertical root fractures may necessitate a full tooth extraction and dental implant procedure.
Please note: Things like vertical root fractures can be difficult to diagnose, which is why it’s so important to get an X-ray of the tooth and surrounding area to find out exactly what is going on. Your dentist will use this information to determine whether a filling, crown, root canal, or dental implant would be best.
What Happens if I Don’t Get a Root Canal?
Delaying treatment for a root canal could lead to a deeper infection and potentially permanent tooth loss. When it comes to dental care, it’s always best to get prompt medical attention whenever possible.
If it is determined that you need a root canal, you can expect a safe and comfortable procedure. The root canal procedure simply involves removing the infected or damaged tooth pulp from the root canal under local anesthesia, lining the root, and filling the hollowed-out root with a biocompatible material. After the tooth root has been lined and filled, the tooth will receive a standard filling or crown to help prevent any further decay.
Consult a Dental Professional
You might need a root canal if you have a constant toothache or a recent tooth injury. A root canal may also be necessary if you notice permanent tooth discoloration or experience sensitivity to hot and cold substances.
Some people can avoid a root canal by practicing good oral hygiene or by receiving dental fillings. However, if you do require a root canal, you should be aware of the warning signs of a tooth infection and act promptly to prevent further complications.
