Root canals can be had to identify in the early stages without professional help. Here are 6 root canal signs and symptoms you shouldn't ignore.

You've tried to ignore that toothache that's been bothering you for a while and blamed your tooth sensitivity on ice cream. But what if these issues are signs that you need a root canal?

Many people fear undergoing a root canal procedure, believing it to be painful. In truth, the root canal pain and discomfort you'll suffer before undergoing the procedure is the painful part. Root canal pain occurs when infection sets into the nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth. During root canal therapy, the dentist cleans and seals inside the tooth to remove the infection and stop the pain.

Booking a dental appointment with our team can save you from a lot of unnecessary suffering. But how do you know when it's time to get professional help? Keep reading to learn the top root canal signs and symptoms.

1. Persistent Toothache

Tooth pain is often a clear indicator that something is wrong with your tooth. And, while tooth pain can come and go, a persistent and severe toothache is one of the main signs of an infected root. This pain can range from a dull ache to sudden and intense sensations of acute pain.

If normal activities such as chewing, drinking, and brushing your teeth cause you pain, you should see your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist will then be able to examine your aching tooth for signs of infection and assess whether a root canal procedure is necessary.

2. Prolonged Sensitivity

If you can't enjoy an ice-cold drink or a steaming bowl of soup without pain, this can be a sign of anything from over-brushing to a cavity. But, while some people have more sensitive teeth than others, if this sensitivity continues after removing the heat or cold, it could be a sign of root damage.

The damaged blood vessels and nerve endings can make your infected tooth very sensitive to extreme temperatures and certain stimuli. In some cases, the sensation of anything from cold air to sweet foods on your infected tooth can lead to ongoing and intense tooth sensitivity.

Rather than living with this sensitivity and trying to ignore the pain, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can. If your root is damaged, a root canal procedure will get rid of this pain for good while also stopping the infection from spreading. And, after your root canal recovery period, you'll be able to enjoy all foods and drinks without fear of pain.

3. Chipped or Cracked Tooth

Rather than being a symptom of a root canal infection, a cracked or chipped tooth can be the cause. This is because the space created by the chip or crack can allow bacteria to enter your tooth, which can then lead to infection and decay.

Most often, trauma such as a sports accident or biting into a hard substance is the cause of a chipped or cracked tooth. As such, the best course of action is to visit the dentist straight after this trauma. Your dentist can then repair the damage, helping you avoid the chance of getting an infection in your damaged tooth.

4. Discoloration

As our positive reviews show, our patients love the personalized treatment we give them at Dental Spa. But if you're not so keen on visiting your current dentist in Jersey City, NJ or you enjoy too many dark-colored foods and drinks, you may have stained or discolored teeth.

That said, tooth discoloration can also be a sign that you may need a root canal procedure. Tooth decay can cause the tooth to become darker. Or, in some cases, nerve damage inside the tooth can lead to the appearance of a pronounced dark spot on the surface of the infected tooth.

With regular dental visits, your dentist can keep on top of cleaning and checking your teeth for staining, decay, and other signs of potential nerve damage. If you've left it too late, however, you should make an emergency appointment to see if your tooth discoloration is a sign that you may need root canal therapy.

5. Swollen Gums

Swollen, red gums are one of the most common signs that you may need a root canal. This is because the infection in your tooth affects your gums, causing tenderness and sometimes even bleeding.

Canker sores or 'gum pimples' may also appear on your gums. These are blisters full of pus which indicate problems beneath the surface of your tooth.

It's important to see your doctor as soon as possible if you notice these kinds of problems with your gums. Your dentist will then be able to examine the inflammation to see if root damage could be the cause.

6. Periodontal Abscess

In the advanced stages, a damaged root canal can contaminate the gums and cause a periodontal abscess. This kind of abscess is painful and often leaves the infected side of your face swollen and tender. Other periodontal abscess symptoms include shiny red gums, bad breath, throbbing pain, and an unpleasant taste in your mouth.

You should never ignore or put off getting an abscess treated. In some cases, an abscess can lead to difficulty opening your mouth and can even impede swallowing and breathing. See your dentist immediately if you think you may have a periodontal abscess. Your dentist will be able to treat the pain and swelling while also checking your infected tooth to see if a root canal is necessary.

Root Canal Signs and Symptoms

As these root canal signs show, when we neglect our dental health, it's all too easy for disease and infection to spread.

With regular dental check-ups, your dentist is better able to catch potential problems before they get serious enough to need root canal therapy.

But if you are experiencing any of these root canal symptoms, don't waste time searching online for 'dentist near me'. Instead, request an appointment with the Dental Spa of Jersey City by contacting us today!

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