Introduction

If yes, there is a high chance that you might be suffering from a root canal. A root canal is a curative dental treatment that cures an infected pulp chamber, dental pulp, and the root canal. 

But how can you be sure of whether you’re suffering from a root canal? 

Let’s find out as we learn more about the early signs and symptoms of the root canal and its solutions via topics like: 

• Root Canal Treatment – What is it About?
• 7 Symptoms You’re Suffering from A Root Canal
• Does A Root Canal Treatment Hurt?
• Can I Still Get Toothache After Undergoing Root Canal?

So continue reading as we learn more about the signs and symptoms of a root canal in the following sections. 

Root Canal Treatment – What is it About?

A root canal is a lucrative dental treatment that targets an infected pulp chamber, infected dental pulp, or inflamed root canal. Oral surgery is designed to clear an infected cavity caused by bacterial buildup that destroys the blood vessels, tooth roots, tooth nerves, dental pulp, and dentin, resulting in toothache, tooth decay, and pus. 

What does the treatment entail?

The root canal procedure involves an endodontist who treats your infection. These professionals drill out the decay to open and remove the inflamed pulp and the damaged tooth tissue. 

The procedure also involves cleaning the surrounding area, repairing tooth roots, and applying medicine to the cavity. Finally, the root canal is sealed off to prevent further problems and restore oral health and functionality.

7 Symptoms You’re Suffering from A Root Canal

Worried about whether you need a root canal? 

The only sure way to know if you do is to visit your nearest root canal dentist in Gallup, New Mexico. However, before you see these experts, there are a few warning signals you should be looking out for. 

1. Persistent Pain

Persistent tooth discomfort is one indication that you may require a root canal. Do you often feel a consistent toothache? Or is it a recurring pain that goes away for a while but then returns soon after?

You may be suffering from discomfort deep in the bone of your tooth. Or feel referred pain in your jaw, cheek, or other teeth.

While most of the time the pain is due to a root canal, there are chances that your tooth pain might be due to: 

• Gum disease
• Cavity
• Impacted tooth that may be infected
• Referred pain from a sinus infection 
• Damaged filling
• Other oral problems

If you experience tooth discomfort, you should see your dentist, regardless of the cause, especially if it is chronic. Early screening and treatment for tooth pain usually result in a better outcome.

2. Sensitivity to Heat and Cold

Does consuming hot beverages, heated meals, or coffee harm your teeth? Perhaps your teeth are sensitive when you eat ice cream or drink an icy cold glass of water.

The sensitivity may feel like a dull ache or an acute agony. If the discomfort persists for an extended period, even after you stop eating or drinking, it strongly indicates a root canal.

We say this because infected nerves and blood vessels are the primary reason your tooth hurts when you eat or drink something hot or cold. Undergoing the root canal treatment could help you avoid this sensation permanently. 

3. Tooth Discoloration

Discoloration is common if you have an infected pulp in your tooth. Additionally, trauma to the tooth or breakdown of internal tissue can further damage the roots and give your teeth a grayish-black appearance in your front (anterior) tooth. 

Tooth pulps might die when there is insufficient blood flow, indicating the necessity for a root canal. Although various factors can cause tooth discoloration, it is always a good idea to consult your dentist if your tooth changes color.

4. Swollen Gums

Swollen gums surrounding a sore tooth may indicate the need for a root canal. While the swelling may be recurring (come and go), the tooth may become sensitive upon touch or numb, giving no sensation.

Swollen gums are generally caused by acidic waste products from dead pulp tissues, which induce swelling (edema) that spreads beyond the root tip. You may also experience a little pimple on your gum, a parulis, an abscess, or a gum boil.

5. Pain On Eating or When You Touch the Tooth

If your tooth is sensitive upon physical touch or when you chew food, it strongly indicates significant nerve damage or dental decay, which might require a root canal. This is especially true if the sensitivity develops over time and disappears after you stop eating.

This generally happens when the ligament around the root tip of an infected tooth becomes hypersensitive as the pulp dies. The waste materials from the dying pulp might irritate the ligament, creating discomfort from biting pressure.

6. Chipped or Cracked Tooth

If you chip or break your teeth in an accident, during a contact sport, or when biting on anything complicated? If yes, it’s time to visit your dentist for a root canal in Gallup, NM. We say this because chipped or broken teeth are a gateway for germs to enter and cause inflammation and infection in your oral cavity.

Even if you hurt a tooth without chipping or cracking, the injury may still cause nerve damage. The nerve can become irritated, resulting in discomfort and sensitivity that may necessitate root canal therapy.

7. Tooth Mobility

Once infected, your tooth may feel loose. Another reason you might feel a loose tooth is pulpal necrosis (nerve death), which may indicate the need for a root canal. A failing tooth’s mobility may result from the acid waste products from nerve loss softening the bone around the root.

If many teeth are loose, the reason for the mobility is probably not a root canal-related problem. Have such symptoms? It’s best to consult your dentist right away. The promptness of dental treatment increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Does A Root Canal Treatment Hurt?

Gone are the days when root canal surgery was intimidating! Thanks to modern oral technology, it’s no different than getting a deep filling. Your dentist will use local anesthetic to numb your tooth and gums, ensuring you are comfortable throughout the treatment.

If you need a root canal and have facial swelling or fever, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to kill the infection and relieve your discomfort. What’s more? Your mouth will be numbed while the dentist removes decay, disinfects the roots, and fills them.

The root canal treatment has evolved into an effortless oral procedure today! 

Can I Still Get Toothache After the Ongoing Root Canal?

Yes, discomfort can occur in a tooth that has already had root canal treatment.

Some possible reasons for this discomfort include the following:

• Your root canal is not healing correctly.
• Root canals may not be thoroughly disinfected due to complex root architecture. 
• Fresh decay might contaminate the filling material, leading to further infection.
• A dental injury that allows bacteria to enter the tooth.

Takeaway

• A root canal is a lucrative dental treatment that targets an infected pulp chamber, infected dental pulp, or inflamed root canal.
• Thanks to modern oral technology, it’s no different than getting a deep filling. 
• Even if you hurt a tooth without chipping or cracking, the injury may still cause nerve damage. 
• Want to learn more about the possibilities of a root canal? Visit our experts at Sundance of Gallup today!