When a tooth has nerve damage or damage to its dental pulp, a root canal is the dental procedure used to save and protect the tooth. If a person is having pain in his or her tooth, the question of whether it is as simple as tooth sensitivity or if it’s more complex like a cavity or nerve or dental pulp damage will undoubtedly arise.
There are signs you can look for to determine if you do in fact need a root canal. Below are five signs you might need a root canal:
- You have pain and sensitivity in a particular tooth when you are chewing food.
- When you remove food trapped in your tooth that should be causing the pain, the pain doesn’t stop.
- There is discoloration of your tooth or your tooth is broken.
- The gums around your tooth are swollen, indicating an infection of some sort.
- You feel tooth sensitivity to hot or cold.
As always the most accurate way for you to know if you are in need of a root canal is to ask your dentist. If you are having pain in a tooth, schedule a dental visit immediately. During this dental visit your dentist will conduct a dental exam and likely have x-rays made of your teeth to determine the cause of your concern.
