If you have been experiencing persistent tooth pain or sensitivity, you may be wondering whether you need root canal therapy near you. This is a common dental procedure that can save your tooth and prevent further complications.
Searching for the best root canals in New Westminster? Unsure when you need one?
Keep reading to find out some of the signs that you may need a root canal and when to see your dentist for an evaluation.
1. Persistent Tooth Pain
One of the biggest red flags when you need a root canal is tooth pain. You should visit your dentist if you have pain that:
- Lasts for a long time or comes and goes but is never gone completely
- Increases when you bite down or chew
- Hurts deeply in the tooth and not just on the surface of the tooth
It’s time to see a dentist to have an infection or some other problem checked out.
2. Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
Do you react to a hot coffee or eating an ice cream with a wince? You know, normally, minor sensitivity is normal, but continuing with pain after hot or cold food exposure may mean that one of your teeth’s nerves is damaged. You should only feel the pain for a few seconds. If the simple step is not enough, the better option is to get a doctor to have it examined.
3. Swollen or Tender Gums
An example of an infection is swelling of the gums surrounding a particular tooth. The symptoms of this are:
- It hurts when touched
- A pimple-like paule (dental abscess) is small.
- Pus may be draining from the gums.
These signs should not be ignored because they can become severe if not treated, therefore it is wise to seek help from a dentist in New Westminster.
4. Discoloration of the Tooth
If you experience pain, swelling or if a tooth is gray or dark yellow, the nerve inside that tooth may be dying. It is either due to trauma, decay or an untreated infection. Your tooth may need a root canal to rid yourself of the damaged pulp and to stop the development of other problems if the tooth is turning gray or dark yellow.
5. Pain When Eating or Touching the Tooth
When sharp pain is precipitated by a tooth being chewed or even touched lightly, the inner pulp may be inflamed or infected. This is a crystal clear indication that there is something wrong at the root of the tooth and that a root canal could be the most effective treatment to relieve the pain whilst at the same time keeping your natural tooth safe.
6. A Cracked or Chipped Tooth
The inner pulp of such a tooth is exposed to bacteria as a result of a cracked or chipped tooth, a condition that causes infection. Untreated fractures can become quite severe over time, even if no immediate pain is felt. A dentist must be consulted in case you have recently damaged a tooth to know if a root canal is necessary.
7. Deep Decay That Reaches the Pulp
If left untreated, cavities can progress deep into the tooth, affecting the pulp and causing severe pain. At this point, a filling is no longer adequate, and root canal treatment is probably required to clean the infected material and return the tooth to function.
Get Expert Care for Your Root Canal Needs
If you have any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them! A root canal can be performed before the situation becomes so severe that you lose the tooth. For root canals, visit the dentist at Artis Dental Centre. At our clinic, there are highly trained dentists who offer gentle and efficient root canal treatment to reduce pain and bring back your confidence in your smile.
Pain often starts mild and increases gradually – don’t let it get to the point where it becomes unbearable. To start your journey towards improved oral health, make an appointment with a dentist near you and take the first step!
