Your teeth aren’t exactly one solid material used to crush food. It is made out of many layers. The outside layer is the enamel layer, the layer beneath it is the dentin, and the last layer inside is the core that extends into the jawbone. In the core, you will find dental pulp, which contains connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerves. While this core is generally well protected, there are cases where issues occur that require dental procedures to be done deep here. For example, if you’re experiencing decay in the pulp and root, you will have to undergo a root canal.
That said, how do you know if you need a root canal? Are there any signs to keep an eye out for? There are, and we will share them with you today:
1. You’re Experiencing Tooth Pain
While tooth pain occurs for lots of different reasons, pain originating from the root of the tooth all the way up to the gum is a sign that there’s some infection present. This infection can be due to decaying teeth, but also to some substance or food getting stuck in the teeth and infecting them.
This pain can be excruciating and can start to hurt to smile, bite, or chew.
2. You’re Experiencing Tooth Sensitivity
When there is inflammation in your tooth, you may feel some sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks. If you’re experiencing this, you need to see your dentist to check if something is wrong with your tooth.
3. You’re Experiencing Tooth Deformity
One of the most common symptoms of nerve pain is seeing that your tooth is deformed. This can be in the color of your tooth, its shape, or even in the way it feels. If you’re seeing any of this, you need to reach out to your dentist to take care of this issue.
4. Your Tooth Hurts After Chewing
Your tooth may feel like it hurts after you chew for a while. This is because the tooth has lost its ability to break down food since the pulp has been damaged. In extreme cases, you may not even be able to chew food anymore.
5. You’re Getting a Gum Infection
You may have a very hard time cleaning your teeth and removing plaque. This is because your nerve endings have been damaged and have stopped working. Your gum tissue will turn red and be highly sensitive. You should see a dentist as soon as this happens to take care of the infection before it becomes too severe.
Conclusion
While these are the main signs you may identify with that may lead you to believe you require a root canal, please don’t hesitate to see your dentist if you’re experiencing any of these or if something feels off with your teeth. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Having a dentist check your teeth as early as possible ensures that any problem at all, core-related or not, is quickly identified and addressed. This way, you can walk out of the office knowing that you’re in much better shape than before. In the case that you do need a root canal, you can get started as soon as possible to allow you to once more enjoy a pain-free life!
Smart Dental Care offers a list of dental services, from cosmetic dentistry to family dentistry. If you require root canals in Holladay, book an appointment with us today!