Your teeth can send you some signals that are not right for healthy teeth. If ignored, these signs can lead to extreme pain or tooth loss.
By knowing the symptoms, you can get timely treatment and save your natural teeth.
If you experience any of the below-listed signs, then visit a dental clinic near you in Devon to get your symptoms addressed and protect against any future complications.
1. Persistent Tooth Pain
If you have constant or throbbing pain in a tooth, there may be a root canal problem. You may feel the pain sometimes, while at other times it may worsen when you chew food or put your finger on it or put something heavy over it.
This could mean there’s an infection deep inside the tooth.
2. Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
If you feel a sharp pain while drinking hot coffee or cold water, this may indicate nerve damage.
When the inner pulp in your tooth short-circuits from infection, it causes great pain, especially from temperature changes.
3. Swollen or Tender Gums
Root canal warning signs could be present if the gums are sore or puffy near a tooth. Swelling occurs when an infection in the root of the tooth causes inflammation.
4. Darkening or Discoloration of a Tooth
If some teeth turn grey or dark yellow, it may mean the tooth is dying. Unlike an external stain, this change in color comes from inside the tooth and may need a root canal to fix it.
5. Pain While Chewing or Touching the Tooth
If there is pain when biting down on it or touching it, its nerves might be damaged, or it could be infected. Your mouth might be sore, but don’t panic.
6. A Small Bump on the Gums
A bump on the gums by the tooth, which looks like a pimple, might be pus. This tells us the infection is spreading and needs your dentist’s immediate care.
7. Cracked or Chipped Tooth
A crack or chip can expose a tooth’s inner layers to bacteria. Infection and root canal treatment may happen due to it over time. Your dentist should check even minor chips immediately.
8. Loose Tooth
Infected teeth may feel loose from damage to the bone around the root. If there is movement in one of your teeth, see your dentist immediately.
9. Lingering Pain After Dental Work
You might feel a little sensitivity after the treatment, which is normal, but if the pain continues, it might be a severe indication of damage inside the tooth that needs a root canal.
10. Bad Taste or Bad Breath
An infection causing pus can lead to a persistent unpleasant taste or smell in your mouth, but with root canal treatment, you can remove the infection and eliminate odor.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore These Symptoms
If you wait to get treatment, it will only get worse, possibly causing an abscess or swelling. You might lose your tooth as well.
Root canal therapy helps in extracting the pulp from your tooth, cleaning the affected area, and saving your tooth from extraction.
Your Journey to a Pain-Free Smile Starts Here
If you recognize one of these signs of a root canal, don’t allow the pain to get worse. Our team at Devon Dental Associates has the skills necessary to evaluate your tooth, perform safe root canal treatment, and restore your comfort and confidence.
Call to make an appointment and stop further damage.
Getting here is simple — just follow us on Google Maps for the best route. 📍
FAQs
How painful is a root canal?
Most people are unaware that root canal treatments today are mostly painless. You won’t feel much pain at all with a local anesthetic during surgery.
How long does a root canal take?
Depending on the condition of the tooth, most root canal treatments typically last 60–90 minutes. Some cases may need two visits for complete treatment.
What happens after a root canal?
Following the operation, the dentist will likely fit the tooth with a crown to restore its strength and shape. Mild soreness may last a few days.