Tooth pain can be stressful, especially if you’re not sure if it’s due to a cavity or something more serious. While only a dentist can confirm the need for a root canal with X-rays and an exam, there are a few warning signs that point to infections or damage within the tooth.
What Is A Root Canal
A root canal is a dental procedure done to save an inflamed, decayed, or infected tooth. It is typically done when bacteria have reached deep into the tooth and penetrated the inner part of the tooth, also known as the pulp. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissue. When it becomes infected or inflamed, it can cause pain, swelling, sensitivity, and other symptoms.
During a root canal treatment, a dentist will remove the infected or damaged pulp, clean the inside, fill the space, and seal it to prevent further and future infections. Root canals are commonly used to save the tooth instead of having to remove it.
6 Common Root Canal Symptoms
Symptoms can look different from person to person. Common symptoms are tooth pain, swelling, sensitivity, or tooth discoloration. If you are currently experiencing these symptoms, it’s always recommended to visit your local dental practice.
1: Persistent Pain
One of the main signs that you may need a root canal is persistent pain. This pain can bother you all the time, come and go, or become worse when eating, chewing, or putting pressure.
You may also feel the pain in multiple places besides the tooth itself. This can include your jaw, gums, face, or even the teeth surrounding the problem tooth.
However, tooth pain may be caused by things other than a damaged pulp. Some examples are:
- Cavities
- Teeth decay
- Eruption of the wisdom tooth
- Gum disease
- An infection that may not need a root canal
It’s always good to schedule a dental visit if you’re experiencing tooth pain. Getting checked early can help combat tooth problems before they become a bigger health issue.
2: Sensitivity to Hot or Cold
That sharp throbbing sensation you feel when eating ice cream or drinking coffee can be another sign that something is wrong, but tooth sensitivity to temperature is often dismissed. Tooth sensitivity is common, but if that sensitivity is painful and lasts for a while, it may signal tooth decay or infection.
3: Swollen Gums
Gums that are inflamed are also a signal that you may need a root canal. They typically mean an underlying infection or other possible tooth-related issues. Your gums are most likely to be inflamed from your body trying to fight off the infection. They can be tender to the touch or in constant pain. However, it may not always hurt, so it’s a good idea to check in the mirror and monitor the status and condition it’s in.
4: Abscess on Gums
Another possible sign you may need a root canal is an abscess on your gums, which is considered a dental emergency. These are small, pimple-like bumps that are either cysts or filled with pus near the affected tooth. Bacteria enter the tooth through a cavity or crack, travel to the root, and may cause an infection. The “pimple” acts as a drainage point for the resulting pus.
5: Chipped, Cracked, or Injured Tooth
Chipped teeth happen for many reasons. You can chip your tooth from hard foods like kernels and ice, oral piercings, or through falling and contact sports. A chipped or cracked tooth exposes the pulp and nerves to bacteria that will cause you to have a cavity or infection.
However, just because there’s no chip or crack doesn’t mean that the tooth hasn’t experienced some type of trauma after an injury. The tooth may still have damage underneath the surface. Trauma can affect the nerve and pulp inside the tooth, which may eventually lead to pain or infection.
6: Tooth Discoloration
If your tooth is discolored, it may be because of a lack of proper dental hygiene. This causes teeth to decay or become infected. Another reason for discoloration can be nerve damage underneath the surface of the tooth.
However, discoloration may just be caused by eating certain foods. Because there are so many potential reasons, it is best to book an appointment to be safe and determine if it’s serious or not.
CDCP Coverage for Root Canal
The Canadian Dental Care Plan, also known as the CDCP, helps eligible Canadian residents cover parts of the cost of certain oral health services. Root canal treatments are included as one of the services that may be covered when recommended by an oral health provider. The CDCP helps pay a portion of the cost, but coverage depends on eligibility and the CDCP fee guide.
Before starting treatment, it is a good idea to confirm your coverage with your dental provider and ask whether they bill directly through the CDCP.
Root Canal Treatment at 200 St Langley Dentist
If you are dealing with tooth pain, swelling, sensitivity, or other possible root canal symptoms, do not wait for the problem to get worse. Getting treatment early may help save your natural tooth and prevent the infection from spreading. Knowing how to tell if you need a root canal can help you take action before the problem becomes more painful. Persistent tooth pain, long-lasting sensitivity, swollen gums, gum abscesses, cracked teeth, and tooth discolouration can all be signs that something deeper is going on.
For root canal treatments, book an appointment with a dental clinic that can examine your tooth, take X-rays, and explain your treatment options clearly.
