Root canals are procedures used by dentists that involve removing the root and pulp of a tooth, cleaning the cavity and sealing it back up. This process is done on teeth that have become badly infected or decayed. Knowing whether you need a root canal can be a difficult to assess, but should you have any of the symptoms listed below, you should see your dentist immediately.
Pain
The major symptom you may feel in teeth that need a root canal is severe pain. This pain will usually come when chewing or when other pressure is applied. The pain you feel will be prolonged and interfere with your daily life.
Sensitivity
Another symptom that your tooth may be decayed and need a root canal will be extreme sensitivity to heat and cold. If this tooth is exposed to any sort of heat or cold, there will be a prolonged period of pain. It is important to note that some sensitivity to heat and cold may be felt after normal dental work and may not be an indication that a root canal is necessary. You can tell this is the case because the sensitivity will be short lived, as opposed to the prolonged pain associated with a decayed tooth.
Discoloration
If your tooth needs a root canal, it may fade and become discolored. This is indicative of the decaying the tooth is experiencing. After the root canal, the discoloration will cease and can be fixed by various teeth-whitening products.
Swelling of the Gums
If the damage to the nerve has gone deep enough, there may be some swelling of the gums. This swelling can take several different forms. The general form of this swelling will not only encompass the gum around the infected tooth, but also gum in the general area. There is a more localized form of swelling with an infected tooth as well. In this case, a small, pimple-like abscess will form under the infected tooth, causing pain.
