Many factors have contributed to the negative perception of Root Canals over the years, making them seem like complex and painful procedures. The primary reason that the public has formulated this perception is due to an unclear understanding of what exactly this procedure is and what it entails. Root Canal Treatment is in fact, very non-invasive in comparison to the alternatives in this situation and should always be pain free when completed by your Family Dentist. Still not satisfied, talk to your dentist about sedation options so you can sleep your worries away.

What are the signs that you need a root canal treatment? Are there a specific signs, tastes or symptoms that you can look for? Often, people who had to get a root canal treatment did not get any noticeable signs until it was too late.

You need a root canal treatment when the pulp, which is the innermost part of your tooth gets infected. Often, all you’d experience is a little bit of toothache and not even in your wildest dreams would you think of requiring a root canal treatment since a mild toothache is common and temporary.

Having said that, there are some specific symptoms that some people commonly experience when they need root canal treatment. Look for these if you think you’re one of them who needs a root canal treatment.

1. Toothache that Keeps you Awake at Night 

This isn’t just a mild toothache that we’re talking about. Pulpitis (infection of the pulp) is often associated with a tremendous toothache, which of course feels unusual. Do you feel a throbbing and intense pain in your tooth? This may be a sign that you need a root canal treatment.

2.  Tooth Discoloration 

When a pulp in your tooth gets infected, it is not uncommon for your tooth to lose its color. You may notice that one of your teeth has become darker than usual, or just simply looks discolored compared to the rest of your teeth. Often, this turns out to be an obvious symptom of pulpitis.

3. A Persisting Bad Breath

A persisting bad breath could be a result of numerous causes, including smoking and drinking. However, if you’re not a smoker or a regular drinker, you should question this situation!

Try brushing and flossing for at least two minutes, twice a day, and try some sugar-free chewing gums during the day. If the bad breath persists, it could be a sign of infected pulp.

4. Prolonged Sensitivity

When the pulp of your tooth is infected, it affects the nerve tissues within. As a result, your tooth would be more sensitive than usual. Is one of your teeth becoming unusually sensitivity to hot and cold or even sweet food? See a dentist near you immediately.

5. Swollen Lymph Nodes 

Lymph nodes secrete lymphatic fluids to fight off infections in your body. When the pulp of your tooth is severely infected, these lymph nodes become hyperactive and subsequently swell up.

If you do have a swollen lymph node, it anyway means that you do have some serious infection in your body and must visit a doctor right away.

6. Red and Swollen Gums 

Pulpitis often leads to infected gums, which may lead to red and swollen gums. This could also be a sign of gum disease and must be treated immediately.

It’s not that these symptoms are only related to pulpitis. However, each of them indicates that something is seriously wrong with your oral health. If you do get these signs that you need a root canal treatment, contact the best dentist near you in Airdrie right away.