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The top surface of your teeth is the hardest substance in the entire body. It’s even harder than steel! And the headiest thing is root canal.
Common Root Canal Symptoms
That doesn’t make it invincible, though. In fact, it’s quite brittle—that’s why cavities are a thing. They occur when the outer layer aka the enamel begins to break down.
If left untreated, the infection can travel deep into the tooth, where it can affect the pulp. If that happens, chances are, you’ll need root canal therapy.
How can you tell if you need it? Want to know? Then make sure to read the rest of the post! And know more about how to save money on dental care from here!
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure in which the soft center of the tooth is removed. It’s necessary if the pulp becomes infected or inflamed due to a deep decay.
Generally speaking, a dentist will perform the treatment under local anesthesia. If anything, it’ll feel very similar to getting a filling.
You might experience some mild pain after the anesthetic wears off but it’ll eventually go away.
4 Signs That You Need Root Canal Therapy
Not sure whether or not you need treatment? Here are some root canal symptoms to watch for.
1. Tooth Pain
Chronic tooth pain may be a sign that you might need a root canal. It may be persistent or it might go away from time to time—but it’ll always come back to root canal pain symptoms.
Contact your dentist right away and dental procedure if you’re experiencing these symptoms. They’ll be able to check whether or not a root canal will be necessary. The earlier you treat it, the better the outcome.
2. Tooth Sensitivity
Damage to the blood vessels and nerves can cause tooth sensitivity. For example, your tooth might hurt if you eat or drink something cold or hot.
More often than not, you’ll feel a sharp pain or dull ache. This might indicate that the tooth pulp has become infected.
3. Tooth Discoloration
An infected pulp can cause your tooth to become discolored—that is, it can appear grayish-black. This is a sign that there’s trauma to the roots.
While other things can cause tooth discoloration, it’s always a good idea to get it checked out, especially if it’s accompanied by pain.
4. Swollen Gums
An infection can cause your gums to become sore and swollen. Depending on the severity, it may also be painful to the touch.
Some people may also develop a small pimple on the gum—this is referred to as a gum boil. It occurs when the blood vessels in the center of a tooth become infected.
Understanding Root Canals
Now you know all about root canal symptoms! If anything, you always want to go to the dentist right away if you’re experiencing any root canal pain symptoms—it’s not something that you want to wait on.
Are you looking for more teeth posts? If so, be sure to check out the rest of our Dental blog section!
