One of the worst fears many people have about going to the dentist is finding out they need a root canal. You’ve heard all the wild stories about how painful they can be, which isn’t helpful. However, new dental technology has really helped to improve the root canal experience.
Still, the best way to prevent the worst-case scenario is to recognize the signs you need a root canal early before it gets too bad. For that reason, we’ve put together this list of three signs you don’t want to ignore that may indicate you’re a candidate for a root canal.
1. Persistent pain is one of the signs you might need a root canal.
If you have persistent tooth pain, it could mean you need a root canal. You might experience more shooting pain that feels deep in the bone, expanding to other parts of your face or in other teeth. Tooth pain can, of course, be symptoms of other problems like gum disease or tooth decay, but it can also indicate you need a root canal.
Whatever the cause, you want to visit your dentist right away if you have a painful tooth. You may not need a root canal after all. But waiting and prolonging a checkup could translate to a root canal later.
2. Pain when eating can also indicate you need a root canal.
You might not have persistent pain in a tooth that needs a root canal but instead feel pain when you eat or touch an affected tooth. There’s a ligament in your tooth near the root tip that can become hypersensitive if the pulp is infected or dying. That’s what can cause your tooth pain when eating or touching the tooth. As a result, you won’t feel pain all the time, only when you’re engaging the tooth in question. So, if you’re experiencing this, it’s time to get to the dentist.
3. Sensitivities to hot or cold foods and beverages are a sign you may need a root canal.
If you experience tooth pain when you eat or drink hot or cold foods like coffee or ice cream, it could be one of the signs of a much-needed root canal. You might experience such tooth sensitivity as a dull ache or a sharp pain.
When this sensitivity occurs, the blood vessels and nerves inside the pulp cavity are either infected or damaged. Of course, your teeth could be sensitive to hot and cold for other reasons, but it’s worth getting checked to make sure.
Call us for more information!
No one essentially wants a root canal, but if you have to have one, it’s best to catch the problem early before you really start experiencing severe pain. At Aesthetic Dental Partners in San Antonio, we’re passionate about your oral health. Call today for your appointment so you can keep your smile bright.
