How to Identify When You Need a Root Canal: Signs and Symptoms

An infected tooth does not need to be pulled out in every case, and a root canal is usually the last resort option to save the tooth. Root canal treatment, medically known as endodontic therapy or root canal therapy, involves addressing issues within the tooth’s root canal system. “Root canal” refers to the hollow space in the tooth that houses the pulp tissue, which contains nerves. The tooth itself consists of the crown, root, and root canal system. The pulp is safeguarded by enamel and dentin in the crown and by cementum and dentin in the root. Root canal therapy involves removing the pulp when it becomes damaged due to trauma from food seepage or bacterial infection deep within the root. Read on to learn more about root canal signs.

What is a Root Canal?

Root canal therapy is the method of removing the infected or affected pulp in the tooth. It involves a series of steps that are carefully followed to achieve sustainable treatment. The procedure’s steps are as follows:

• Opening of the chamber that carries the pulp
• Locating the root canals 
• Removing the affected pulp
• Cleaning the root canals using specific irritants 
• Drying the root canals
• Plugging the canals
• Fitting the crown back with restoration methods 

What are the Indications and Signs for Root Canal Treatment?

Root Canal Therapy eliminates all the Symptoms bothering the individual. The signs you need a Root Canal are as follows:

• Pain: Many individuals suffer from spontaneous dull aching for prolonged hours in a specific area. The prolonged pain can result from trauma or an infection in the pulp. In such instances, the dentist may recommend a root canal to save the tooth.

• Pressure in Tooth: If there is continuous pressure and a pulsating rhythm in a particular tooth, the tooth pulp is most likely damaged and needs root canal treatment. This pressure often intensifies while lying down and hence turns into pain.

• Swelling: Extraoral (visible on the face) swelling is most likely a root canal symptom. The swelling is usually the result of chronic infection and pus accumulation. In such cases, the infection usually spreads through the large cavity or the infected gums that seep deep into the root.

• Tenderness: If a person experiences pain chewing or pressing the tooth, the tooth is said to be tender upon percussion or touching. Tenderness is the most common indicator that root canal treatment is needed.

• Large Cavity: If a person has a large hole or groove in the tooth, it is not possible to save the tooth with only fillings. In such instances, root canal treatment is needed to retrieve the function of the tooth.

• Sensitivity to Extreme Temperatures: Extreme sensitivity to cold or hot substances can be a sign of root canal therapy. Such sensitivity leads to a trigger, and pain initiates that lasts from a few hours to many days. This condition is called chronic irreversible pulpitis, where the pulp of the tooth is damaged to an extent that cannot be reversed. This is a characteristic symptom of the root canal procedure.

• Fracture of Crown: Often, during play, brawls, or minor accidents, the crown portion of a tooth may become chipped or fractured near the pulp. In such cases, to restore the tooth’s structure, root canal treatment becomes necessary. 

• Discolored Pink Or Black Tooth: This kind of discoloration occurs in teeth that have been subjected to any trauma previously but did not cause any pain. In such cases, the decaying of the pulp starts internally, and it surfaces on the tooth crown in the form of pink or black discoloration. Such teeth are most likely to have an abscess at the root apex ( tip of the root ) inside the bone.This is a sign you need root canal treatment. 

• Intentional Root Canal: Intentional root canal is a term that is used to define a root canal that needs to be done on an otherwise healthy tooth. The need for such a type of root canal treatment arises in the goodwill of other teeth and overall dental health. Intentional root canal is usually performed in the following instances:

• The teeth that act as support to place a bridge for missing teeth replacement.

• • Overly fattened tooth surfaces.
  • Full mouth rehabilitation with bridges and crowns.

All the above conditions may require root canal therapy to correct them; however, before reaching a conclusion, these conditions need to be correlated with imaging investigations such as X-rays and CBCT (Cone beam computed tomography).

Takeaway 

Root canal therapy is misunderstood as a painful process, but it is actually a procedure that eliminates the pain and saves the tooth. The cost of the treatment varies depending on factors such as the type of tooth, the number of canals present, and the severity of the case. 

The procedure is more effective than pulling and replacing a tooth with a cap or bridge and implant. With proper equipment and a skilled dentist, your root canal therapy will be painless and effective. Consult your dentist the moment you notice any root canal signs.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you’re facing significant pain or discomfort, schedule an appointment with Anoka Dental. Our team of experienced restorative dentists will identify the best treatment plan for you. Access the highest standards of diagnostic care today. 

Get in touch today!

Call (763) 421-4002 or visit us at 12 Bridge Square (1st Ave) #106 Anoka, MN 55303