Your tooth is aching, and you’re incredibly uncomfortable. Do you need a root canal treatment, or could it be something else entirely?
If you’re reading this in a panic at 2 am, let’s put you (and your mouth) at ease. Here are 5 common signs you might need a root canal treatment – directly from our [hyperlink to Home page: Allure Smiles dentists] – and what happens next if it’s required.
What is a root canal treatment?
Before we get into the signs, let’s unpack what a root canal treatment actually involves and why it’s not as scary as old dental myths make it out to be.
At its heart (or should we say root?), a root canal treatment is a routine general dentistry procedure used to treat an infected root canal. It can be caused by a deep cavity, a cracked tooth or tooth damage.
A root canal involves gently removing the infected or inflamed soft tissue (or pulp) inside the very centre of the affected tooth. Using the latest dental imaging, our dentists can precisely diagnose and plan your root canal treatment. We also take you through the ins and outs of the procedure and give you a chance to ask any questions about how we do it — after all, it’s your smile.
Once the area is completely numb using local anaesthetic, the pulp is carefully removed. [hyperlink to about us: Our dentist team] will then clean and fill the space before a custom crown is placed over the tooth. This keeps it protected, and restores your tooth’s natural appearance and bite function.
Is a root canal painful?
While the underlying infection can cause discomfort, the root canal treatment itself does not. This is not only because of the modern technology we use, but also the local anaesthetic used to numb your tooth and gums.
At Allure Smiles, we use modern dental imaging to precisely identify the area of concern and create a tailored plan designed specifically for your tooth.
Think you need a root canal treatment? It’s best to [hyperlink to contact us: have a chat to a dentist] early so we can keep your smile healthy.
Signs you might need a root canal
- You have severe tooth pain
Feel pain when you chew or put pressure on your tooth? It might be a sign of something more serious.
The pain may feel like a throbbing ache, spreading from your jaw, face or nearby teeth. This specific pain can be an indication that the nerve is dying or infected. You might also have extreme sensitivity or pain when you drink cold or hot food and drinks.
- Your gums are ‘oozing’
We’re not just talking tenderness, but pimple or boil-like spots on your gums that ooze pus. These could be around the affected tooth or on your gums in the surrounding area.
Have a pimple or boil and no pus, or perhaps your gums just feel swollen? We recommend booking your dentist check-up sooner rather than later. Swollen gums could be linked to a gum infection or caused by another condition.
- Your tooth has darkened or looks discoloured
While [hyperlink to By Dental Concern: tooth darkening or discolouration] can occur due to other reasons, it can be a sign of an infection under the surface. Root canal infections often look like a grayish-black discolouration, usually caused by inadequate blood supply.
Don’t have any other symptoms, but notice a change in your tooth colour? We recommend chatting to your dentist as soon as you notice the discolouration. While it might not be caused by a root canal infection, it could be a sign of another dental condition.
- You have a cracked, chipped or broken tooth
Teeth don’t just break for no reason, and sometimes it can happen when you’re not eating anything hard at all. This could be a sign that your tooth is compromised and it’s been weakened by the root canal infection.
Your tooth might also feel loose. - Your gums or jaw feel swollen
Feel like your jaw is swollen and hard to move, or perhaps your gums feel puffy and sensitive to touch? It could be caused by acidic waste from dead pulp tissue.
You might also have additional swelling or tenderness around the infected tooth area, gums, face or neck.
Preparing for a root canal treatment
Here at [hyperlink to home page: Allure Smiles], we believe in side-by-side conversations – which means we always talk in depth about the treatment before anything takes place, and never while you’re already in the chair and on the spot.
Using dental imaging, we’ll pinpoint the area needing attention and share our findings in a visual way. We’ll then step you through the treatment process and provide clear information so you can make an informed decision.
To prepare for your root canal treatment, your dentist will provide you with a preparation checklist and clear instructions. We also recommend having a good meal before you arrive as the numbing in your mouth will need time to fade.
How you can prevent root canal infections
A great dental hygiene and routine is the best way to avoid root canal infections and keep your teeth and gums healthy and happy. Our dentists recommend:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day
- Using fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing at least daily
- Booking regular [hyperlink to General Dentistry page: dental check-ups] and having your teeth professionally cleaned every six months (which we do in one session here at Allure Smiles)
Love your sugary foods and refined carbs? Grab that toothbrush or rinse your mouth soon afterwards.
Had a root canal treatment and your tooth is still in pain?
It’s natural to feel a little discomfort post treatment. This discomfort can be treated by over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen, or you can also talk to our dentists about additional pain options.
The pain is consistent after 3 – 7 days? It could be a sign your root canal is not healing properly, or new decay, another chip, crack or other damage could be causing a new infection. Consistent tooth pain or discomfort is never a ‘wait and see’ sign, and we recommend visiting a dentist sooner rather than later.
Think you need a root canal?
Book our dentists online now or call our friendly team to book your appointment.
We’ll assess the affected area and identify if a root canal is required together.
