There may come a time in your life when the pain of a damaged tooth becomes so unbearable you finally cast your fears aside and visit the dentist for help. When a tooth becomes severely decayed and the pulp inside the tooth is diseased a root canal is the only option save just pulling out the tooth. The pulp of your tooth is the soft tissue that consist of nerves and connective tissue. Once a tooth’s pulp begins to decay then it needs to be removed and the tooth resealed to prevent infection and further damage. While root canals may seem time consuming and potentially painful they are highly effective at saving the tooth and preventing infection and gum disease. How can you tell if you need a root canal? Look for certain signs and symptoms that can be an indication you to visit your dentist immediately.
- Toothache. Most people will notice a toothache that is persistent and unrelenting. If you have had a toothache for several days or even weeks that cannot be relieved or if it hurts to eat or drink, it is time to visit your dentist.
- Sensitive Teeth. It isn’t unusual to experience some sensitivity in your tooth but if the pain of toothache increase greatly with temperature changes of food or drink it may be time to have a dental check-up. A tooth that is constantly sensitive to temperature or normal hygiene probably has significant damage.
- Changing Color of Teeth. If the tooth that is causing you pain begins to change color to grey or even black it is a sign that it is dying due to severe decay or damage.
- Inflamed and Bright Red Gums. Bleeding, red, and inflamed gums along with a toothache are a sure sign that something is very wrong inside your mouth. Don’t wait to see your dentist if you have a combination of these symptoms. It is likely an infection has set in and could even be accompanied by a fever. Antibiotics will be needed along with a root canal to heal gums and repair the damaged tooth.
It is very important that you do not put off visiting your dentist if you have any of these symptoms. Waiting can lead to severe gum disease, permanently damage the root structure, and even cause the loss of teeth. The team at Austin Dental Center is dedicated to helping you keep your teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime. Call to schedule an exam and end your tooth pain for good.
