6 Ways to Tell If You Need a Root Canal

You need a root canal treatment when the pulp of your tooth has either been infected or damaged. A damaged pulp could be a result of an injury or trauma. On the other hand, infected pulp could arise out of an untreated oral infection. The condition is called pulpitis.

Most patients who are diagnosed with pulpitis did not expect something to be seriously wrong with their oral health at all. This is because the signs are so subtle that they often go unnoticed until it’s too late. However, there are some common signs that you need to spot if you think you may need root canal treatment.

The following are 5 such common signs that you need root canal treatment:

1. Red and swollen gums

This could also be a sign of gum disease. However, even when you have pulpitis, you get red and swollen gums since the bacteria have infected your gums from within and have probably gone down to the root of the tooth.

2. Toothache

The severity of a toothache during pulpitis can vary, which is why it is tough to take the less severe ones seriously.

3. Discolored tooth

You may notice that one of your teeth has become significantly discolored than the rest. This is indicative of an underlying bacterial infection.

4. Sensitivity

When the pulp of the tooth gets infected, so do the surrounding nerve tissues surrounding the pulp. As a result, they become damaged and are more sensitive than usual. You may experience heightened sensitivity in one of your teeth to hotness and coldness and even sweetness in some cases.

5. Bleeding gums

Also a common symptom of gum disease, bleeding gums can often be associated with pulpitis. This is a sign of severe pulpitis in which, the bacteria have reached the root of the tooth and are now beginning to infect the gum tissues.

6. Bad breath

When a huge lot of bacteria undergo metabolism, that’s where the foul smell comes from. You can try brushing and flossing your teeth more than usual and if the bad breath still persists, this could be a sign that you need root canal treatment.

If one or more signs listed above match your current condition, it’s high time you visit a dentist. Untreated pulpitis can lead to severe overall health complications. You can get the best root canal dentist in Irving TX near you open today. Click here for more information.