09/15/2017
Getting to the root of the problem: 5 Early Root Canal Warning Signs
When we think of a "root canal" it often conjures a panicked visit to an emergency dentist, but that often doesn't have to be the case. Although emergency root canals are sometimes necessary, did you know that there are many early warning signs to tell you that you may need see an endodontist? If you are having any of these issues, ask your dentist if it’s time to see the endodontist.
1. Sudden pain
The key word is "sudden": a tooth that just out of the blue starts to cause you substantial pain for no other known reason.
This sign is important because you need a root canal treatment once a tooth has decayed to the point where the nerve inside the affected tooth is exposed. Even a small amount of nerve exposure can cause tremendous pain. The pain may also worsen when you change positions, like sitting, bending, lying down, etc. If you have sudden tooth pain, call your dentist or endodontist immediately.
2. Pain upon chewing
Painful chewing or painful closing of the teeth without food involved are good reasons to call your dentist immediately. If tooth decay extends into the root of the tooth and below the gum line, the result can be increased dental sensitivity, constant tooth pain, and even swollen gums.
3. Gum swelling or discomfort
An infected tooth usually goes hand in hand with some sort of discomfort in the gum tissue surrounding it. It doesn't feel the same for everyone, though. For some people, it can present as a relatively painless bump in the gums. For others, the swelling can be so great that it can be seen on the face in the cheek, chin, or jawline area.
This differs from the swelling seen in people who have gum disease like gingivitis; the swelling with that issue tends to be seen right at the gum line surrounding the tooth. Swelling seen with a tooth infection usually starts away from the gum line.
4. A dark tooth
If one of your teeth develops a grayish color or becomes darker than the others, this can be a sign of infection and/or possible nerve damage inside the tooth. This is always a symptom that requires a visit to the dentist or endodontist.
5. "Pimples" on your gums
Although your gums have skin-like appearance, it isn't a normal occurrence to see a pimple on your gums. If you see one, it could indicate a tooth infection. The swelling may come and go, but don't dismiss it – it may recur because the infection is still present and untreated.
Don't hesitate to call your dental health professional if you experience any of the above symptoms… whenever possible, nip issues in the bud before they become oral emergencies!