Improving Your Dental Care

Signs That You Might Need a Root Canal

No one ever wants to get a root canal procedure on a tooth, but many people need this procedure to save a tooth that requires a lot of work. How do you know if you need a root canal procedure? The best way to know is by visiting a dentist, but some signs can indicate that you need one. Here are five of the most common signs that you need this procedure.

1. You Experience Lingering Pain While Eating

If you begin noticing pain with a tooth while you are eating or drinking, and if this pain does not instantly go away, it can indicate a tooth problem. Pain that lingers is never a good sign for your oral health. Lingering pain generally means that there is a problem with the nerves in a tooth. If the nerves in a tooth have issues, it is typically because they are exposed somehow. If you feel lingering pain, talk to a dentist to find out what is causing this issue.

2. You Feel Sharp Pain When Using a Specific Tooth

Secondly, if you feel a sharp pain when using a specific tooth, it may be a sign of a problem with that tooth. You should not feel sharp pain with a tooth while you eat. If you have this problem, you might need a root canal.

3. Your Mouth Is Throbbing

Another sign that you need a root canal is throbbing pains in your mouth. If you ever experience throbbing pains that do not go away, call your dentist. This type of pain appears typically only when an infection is present in the mouth.

4. You Have an Abscess on Your Gums

In some cases, people do not feel any pain at all when they need a root canal, but they might see a small bump on their gums. This bump is an abscess, or an infection. It can appear when an infection is present, and it normally requires a root canal for treatment.

5. You Have a Tooth with Deep Decay 

You might also need a root canal if you have deep decay in a tooth. When decay gets too deep, it can find its way into your tooth's roots. The only way to clean it out is through a root canal.

Most people experience sensitivity or pain with a tooth when they need a root canal, but others feel no pain whatsoever. If you feel pain with any of your teeth, visit a dental clinic to find out if you need a root canal.


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