Toothache is a bit of a mystery. Sometimes it’s just sensitivity, but other times it may be something more devious, such as an infection within the tooth that needs to be treated right away. That’s where root canal therapy in NW Calgary comes into play. Root canal therapy will put an end to your pain and save your natural tooth, but when should you undergo it?
Early detection of symptoms and signs could be the difference between saving your tooth and losing your tooth someday. Let us discuss the most frequent symptoms that might necessitate a root canal and why you should seek professional dental care.
1. Chronic Tooth Pain
Not all toothaches are created equal. If you’re having sharp, stabbing pain that just won’t leave you alone, no matter how much over-the-counter pain medication you take, it could be more than a minor cavity. Pain that gets worse when chewing or applying pressure to the tooth is a telltale sign that something within the tooth is infected or inflamed.
See a dentist in NW Calgary to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment in advance of the condition deteriorating further.
2. Sensitivity to Hot And Cold
If sipping a hot coffee or a cold drink causes lingering pain (not just a quick zing), this could be a red flag. Long-lasting sensitivity may indicate that the nerves in your tooth are damaged. This is one of the common Root Canal Symptoms that many people ignore until the discomfort becomes unbearable.
3. Swollen or Tender Gums
Swelling or tenderness in the gums near a painful tooth can be a sign of an infection. In some cases, a small pimple-like bump may appear on the gums, releasing pus or causing a bad taste in the mouth. This usually indicates an abscess, which needs urgent dental treatment.
Your dentist near you can evaluate the area and determine if a root canal is the right course of action to stop the infection from spreading.
4. Discoloration of the Tooth
A tooth that grays or darkens suddenly may indicate that the nerve within it has died or is dying. Trauma, decay, or infection can all lead to internal damage that stains the tooth. If your tooth is stained and you also have symptoms such as pain or sensitivity, don’t delay scheduling an appointment with your dentist.
5. Chipped or Cracked Tooth
Cracks in your teeth, traumatic due to biting something hard or grinding, can allow bacteria to penetrate the inner pulp and infect it. Even if the crack is not sore at first, it can become worse eventually. If the pulp becomes infected by bacteria, a Root Canal Procedure may be necessary to prevent further damage or loss of the tooth.
6. Prolonged Pain After Dental Work
If you’ve recently had a filling, crown, or other dental work, and the pain persists longer than expected, it might mean that the nerve has been affected. Sometimes, dental trauma during treatment can inflame the tooth’s inner tissue, requiring root canal therapy to resolve the discomfort.
Why Early Intervention Matters?
Delaying treatment when root canal symptoms appear can lead to more severe problems, like the spread of infection to the jawbone or the loss of the tooth entirely. Root canals do sound intimidating, but with modern technology, the Root Canal Procedure is relatively painless and extremely successful.
The sooner you deal with the issue, the less painful and more successful the procedure will be.
Noticing the signs? Leave Your Tooth to Royal Vista Dental
If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, don’t wait for the pain to worsen. Trust your instincts and your smile to the experts at Royal Vista Dental. Book your consultation today and take the first step toward lasting relief and better oral health.