Your teeth contain a soft inner core that extends deep into the root and into your jawbone. When this core decays, the pulp in your teeth can become infected, inflamed, or even die. Such a situation might call for a root canal, a dental procedure that effectively eliminates the decay in the pulp and root. This article discusses the symptoms that could mean you need this procedure and why you should have your root canals in Houston.
1. Heat and Cold Sensitivity
If you experience sharp pain or dull ache every time you eat or drink something hot or cold, the nerves in your teeth could be infected or damaged. This might mean that you need an immediate root canal because teeth sensitivity is a serious problem and can tamper with your food intake. Consider scheduling a consultation with your dentist for a complete checkup.
2. Swollen Gums
Root canal procedures have proven to be significantly helpful in treating swollen gums along with other gum-related problems. You might need the treatment if you notice symptoms such as:
- A little pimple on your gum that is sensitive to the touch.
- Puss oozing from your gum (caused by infection).
- Gum swelling.
- Bad breath.
- An unpleasant taste in your mouth.
Gum problems only worsen with time, so you should see your dentist immediately if you notice these signs.
3. Persistent Tooth Pain
Another sign that you might need a root canal is experiencing severe pains deep in the bone of your tooth, jaw, or face. Persistent tooth pain is often a symptom of a serious infection, and early detection and treatment can improve the outcome of your dental problem and save your oral health. Also, a root canal could finally relieve your pain, allowing you to eat and sleep in peace.
4. Chipped Teeth
Your teeth could get chipped or cracked if you get injured in a contact sport, during an accident, or fight, and while chewing on hard substances. Broken or chipped teeth can be superficial, but they can also cause nerve damage, leading to pain and increased tooth sensitivity. Through a root canal procedure, your dentist can clean out the infection before fixing your tooth.
5. Discoloration
One of the reasons teeth get discolored is tooth tissue damage that severely destroys the tooth roots. Such damage manifests as teeth with a dark grey appearance. Similarly, an infection in the pulp of your tooth can lead to tooth discoloration and other problems. A root canal will drain any infection from the pulp or roots and fix any damage, clearing the discoloration in the process.
6. Loose Teeth
Severe tooth infections could cause your teeth to loosen. While there are many factors that could be behind this symptom, including pulpal necrosis (nerve death), you should see your dentist to rule out the viability of a root canal as a treatment.
Conclusion
Root canals go beyond the regular teeth cleanings to clear your teeth’ pulp, roots, and nerves of infection and decay. The result is healthy, clean, and white teeth. If you experience any of these symptoms, consider visiting your dentist as soon as possible. Ivis Hernandez, DDS, of Dental Design Studios, is highly skilled and experienced in this procedure. You can schedule a consultation with her by booking online or calling a Houston, Texas office.