To save the natural tooth and stop further infection, root canal therapy or treatment is used to remove bacteria from the diseased tooth’s root canal. An infected or inflamed pulp is taken out of the tooth during a root canal procedure. After the pulp is extracted, the tooth is cleaned and disinfected before being filled and sealed.

Only after seeing a dentist can you be sure you require root canal treatment. There are, however, signs to keep an eye out for.

1. Persistent Pain

Chronic discomfort is a warning indicator that a root canal may be necessary. In this case, we’re talking about persistent discomfort that either never goes away or keeps coming back. The discomfort could spread throughout your jaw, face, or even the underlying bone of your tooth, or it could be confined to one specific area.

However, many other conditions can cause tooth pain, including a broken filling, a cavity, referred pain from a sinus infection, an infected impacted tooth, or gum disease. In any case, if you experience ongoing discomfort, you should visit the dentist.

2. Tooth Discoloration

A tooth’s discoloration can be a sign of a pulp infection. Root damage from decay or trauma can cause discoloration of the tooth to a dark gray or black. You should visit the dentist if you notice a change in the color of your teeth, even if the change could be due to anything else.

3. Hypersensitivity to Both Hot and Cold Food

Root canal therapy may be necessary if you have discomfort in your tooth after consuming hot or cold foods or beverages. The sensitivity may present as a sudden, excruciating pain or a dull ache, and it may last for some time after the offending substance has been consumed or removed from the ear. A damaged or diseased tooth nerve can cause hot and cold sensitivity.

4. Split or Broken Tooth

Bacteria can enter and develop an infection in a tooth that has been broken or chipped due to chewing on something hard, participating in a sport, or being involved in an accident. Injury to the tooth, rather than a break or chip, can cause enough damage to the pulp and nerves that you need root canal treatment.

In addition to pain, swelling, or soreness of the gums close to the affected tooth, bumps that resemble pimples in the area and tooth movement can all indicate the necessity for a root canal.

What to Expect From a Root Canal

X-rays, the cavity test, selective anesthetic, thermal and electric tests, and tapping on the problem tooth are all simple ways for a dentist to assess if a root canal is necessary. The dentist will next proceed to the following stages of root canal therapy if he determines that you require such treatment:

• X-rays, which can help to more clearly determine the damage;
• To prevent any discomfort, the dentist will provide an anesthetic;
• The use of a dental dam to prevent saliva from entering the treatment area;
• The procedure wherein a dentist drills into a tooth in order to remove the diseased pulp;
• Dental medication of the inner tooth to kill microorganisms;
• Closing the tooth with a permanent substance to close the opening; and 
• Your final step will be to get your tooth restored by your dentist.

Root canal therapy can cost anything from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the dentist you visit and the extent of the infection.

Conclusion

There are a few crucial indicators that you need a root canal. These include severe tooth pain, tooth sensitivity, gum swelling, and tooth discoloration. If you experience any of these symptoms, you must see a dentist immediately. A root canal is a relatively simple procedure that can relieve your pain and restore your tooth to its normal function and appearance.

If you are looking for a well-trusted root canal dentist in Manassas, VA, look no further than our expertise here at Liberia Dental Care. We provide unique dental treatments to patients of all ages, and our services include pediatric, general, and cosmetic dental care. Call us today to book your dental check-up first root canal session with us.