Root canals help you avoid tooth loss due to an infection or inflammation in the center of your tooth. Read on to learn of the potential root canal warning signs and symptoms, and if you notice any of them, be sure to call your Edmond, OK, dentist, Dr. Mike Wallace.
Constant or intermittent pain in your tooth
Pain in a tooth can occur for several reasons, including a problem with your tooth pulp. While it can be easy to ignore the pain that only occurs occasionally or is fairly mild, that toothache can, unfortunately, worsen the longer you try to ignore it. Pain in a tooth is a sign of a problem and always requires a visit to the Edmond dental office.
Does your tooth hurt more if you press on it or chew? Root canal pain tends to worsen with pressure. You may also notice an increase in pain after you consume something that's sugary, hot, or cold.
Red, swollen gum
The gum around your tooth may become inflamed due to the changes deep inside your tooth. Red, tender gums may also occur if you have gum disease.
Change in tooth color
Have you noticed that your tooth looks duller or darker than nearby teeth? A change in the color of your tooth may also be a sign that you need a root canal.
An injury
You may also need a root canal if your tooth was injured or was knocked out then reimplanted.
How a root canal is performed
During a root canal, your dentist opens your tooth and removes the pulp. Before he fills it, he'll thoroughly clean and shape the interior and the root canals and apply medication to kill bacteria. The canals are tiny channels that extend from the top of the tooth into the roots. Teeth that receive root canal treatments are often topped with dental crowns for added strength.
Are you worried about pain or changes in a tooth? Schedule an appointment with your dentist in Edmond, OK, Dr. Wallace, by calling (405) 340-0411.