Three Undeniable Signs You Might Need A Root Canal Treatment

A root canal is a dental procedure used by dentists to treat teeth with mild decay or severe infections. The procedure involves removing infection or decay from a tooth's pulp, root, or nerves. After removing the infected or decayed parts of the tooth, the dentist disinfects the area and applies dental filling to the tooth to replace the degraded areas. After filling the tooth, the dentist then seals the tooth with a crown to protect the filling. Determining if you need a root canal treatment is up to your dentist. However, when tooth infection or decay becomes severe, there are physical signs that let you know you might need a root canal treatment. Here are the three most common symptoms that let you know you might need a root canal procedure. Visit a dentist as soon as you notice these signs.

Persistent Sensitivity to Heat and Cold

If you notice a sharp pain in your tooth when you eat or drink something hot or cold, the chances are that the blood vessels or the tooth's nerves have an infection. When the blood vessels and nerves are infected, they become overly sensitive to temperature. If the sensitivity persists for an extended period, it is advisable to have a dentist look at it. If the dentist confirms that it is an infection of the nerves or blood vessels in the root of the tooth, the dentist will have to perform a root canal to remove the infected areas. In such a case, a root canal is essential to prevent the infection from spreading to adjacent teeth.

Tooth Discoloration 

A discolored tooth often acts as a sign of an infection in the tooth's pulp. Additionally, if a tooth is subjected to blunt force trauma, it can also lead to discoloration of the tooth due to internal tissue damage. Irrespective of the cause of the discoloration, it is essential to have a dentist determine if you need a root canal. Sometimes a discolored tooth results from an inadequate supply of blood to the tooth when the blood vessels in the root get damaged or infected. It is essential to get a root canal treatment to remove the infection or restore the blood vessels' functionality.

A Chipped or Cracked Tooth

A chipped or cracked tooth provides bacteria with access to the blood vessels and nerves of a tooth. It is essential to get a root canal and filling to ensure that bacteria can't infect the nerves and blood vessels. Unfortunately, when many people get a chipped or cracked tooth, they don't take it seriously, especially if they are not in pain. However, it is essential to get a root canal for a cracked or chipped before the tooth becomes infected.

Contact a dental office like Cottonwood Dental to learn more.