Millions of Canadians receive root canal treatments every year to repair and protect a damaged tooth. Root canals involve the removal of decay from a tooth, which, if left untreated, can result in intense discomfort, infection and inflammation. Root canals prevent an infected tooth from re-infection; however, it doesn’t improve durability, which is why it’s important to maintain a stringent dental hygiene routine.
The only guaranteed way to know if you require a root canal is to visit your family dentist for an oral assessment. If any of the following symptoms are affecting you, make sure to book a dental appointment immediately.
Nagging Discomfort
Patients that require a root canal treatment typically experience nagging pain in the same parts of their mouth. Pain associated with a root canal may not always bother you; in fact, there may be times when the discomfort subsides, and nothing is bothering you. However, if the pain always eventually returns, you should book an appointment with your family dentist as soon as possible. Pain caused by a root canal is deep-seated; intense jaw pain or pain across your face may indicate a dental health concern requiring attention.
Increased Sensitivity
If you’re unable to eat or drink without experiencing sharp or intense pain, you may need a root canal to treat your symptoms. While millions of people suffer from toothaches without needing a root canal, one thing to keep an eye on is if the pain persists even after you’ve stopped eating or drinking.
If you experience waves of sensitivity when you eat or drink something hold or cold, you should visit your family dentist for an immediate consultation; sensitivity that lingers on for an extended period of time after you’ve consumed a hot or cold substance may indicate nerve damage in your teeth.
Physical Trauma
If you’ve recently chipped or cracked your tooth, it’s important to seek dental care from your family dentist. Whether it was a sporting accident or you bit into something hard, your oral surgeon will offer you comprehensive care and preventative treatments to reduce the risk of infection or inflammation. Leaving a chipped or cracked tooth untreated can result in nerve damage and increase your risk of tooth sensitivity. Additionally, physical trauma can lead to nerve death and weaken your tooth’s durability, making your tooth feel wobbly or loose.
If any of the symptoms mentioned above apply to you, make sure you visit your family dentist for an emergency appointment. Make sure to be as specific as possible when describing your symptoms and be honest about any physical trauma that you may have sustained. For more information n root canals, please contact Tooth Harmony today.