Have you ever had to deal with a sudden toothache that won’t let up no matter what you do? Do you find yourself wincing with pain every time you eat something extra cold or sip on your morning coffee? These symptoms are usually a sign of something more serious and may mean that you need a root canal.
The sharp, stabbing pain associated with root canal pain can be excruciating and is often one of the top reasons why people need the emergency dentist Mornington locals visit for dental issues. Do you suspect you may be suffering from root canal issues? Keep reading to find out more.
What Exactly is a Root Canal?
All teeth have a space inside that’s filled with soft tissue, more commonly referred to as dental pulp. Inside this dental pulp, you’ll find nerves, blood vessels and nerves. You can almost say that this little bit of pulp is the heart of each tooth. This pulp runs from the crown to the roots.
When this pulp becomes damaged or infected, you may need a root canal treatment to treat the issue. During this procedure, your dentist will do the following:
- X-rays of the affected area to assess the cause
- The affected area is numbed so that you don’t experience pain during the process
- Isolate the tooth with a protective sheet
- Open the area to remove the infected pulp
- Clean out and disinfect the inner tooth canals
- Place a temporary filling in the tooth to keep it sealed
- Once the tooth area is clean of infected material, the canals will be filled with a sterile material
- The process is filled off by sealing the tooth or placing a crown on top
- You will then be able to eat and drink normally once the tooth has healed
Know the Symptoms
When you first hear the term root canal, you may immediately feel anxious. However, knowing what the symptoms are will help you get the right treatment immediately, rather than waiting for days for the pain to clear up on its own. We’ve compiled a list of the top symptoms to keep in mind if you regularly have tooth pain.
1. Consistent, Stabbing Pain
It’s not uncommon to have the occasional toothache. These usually come and go without too much drama. However, if the pain is persistent and constantly returns, and causes days of agonising pain.
This is the type of pain that throbs, causes your face to swell, and in some severe cases, spreads to the rest of your jaw and throat. While these symptoms may also be caused by cavities, sinus infections, cracked fillings, or gum disease, there’s a very strong likelihood that it’s a root canal issue.
2. Hot and Cold Sensitivity
In an ideal scenario, you should easily be able to enjoy hot and cold food without a sudden sharp pain shooting through your mouth. If you suddenly start developing sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks, it could be a sign that you have damaged nerves and blood vessels. It’s always a good idea to discuss this sensitivity with your dentist so that they can prescribe the right treatment.
3. Tooth Discolouration
For the most part, all your teeth are usually the same colour and if there’s discolouration due to food staining, it will be equal throughout your mouth. However, if one of your teeth seems to have a greyish hue, it’s an indication that you may have an infection in the dental pulp. Not seeking medical treatment will cause the inflammation to spread to the rest of your mouth.
4. Swollen Gums
Another clear indication that you may have a root canal issue is an unexplained swelling around a particular tooth. Usually, this pain comes and goes and leaves the tooth tender to the touch.
In some instances, there may even be a small red or white bump on the gum. It may resemble a pimple and is a sign that there’s an infection present in that area. A root canal is usually the best treatment to rid your mouth of this re-occurring infection.
5. Pain When Touching the Tooth
You may have a sensitive tooth in your mouth that hurts when you touch it, or even run your tongue over it. Many times this is as a result of decay, a large crack or nerve damage that will require root canal treatment. Speak to your dentist before the pain spreads.
Final Thoughts
While the thought of having a root canal procedure may not be on your list of top things to do this summer, the reality is that it can save you a lot of unnecessary pain. Inflammations can re-occur, so while you may use medication to deal with it once, there’s always the chance of it getting worse.
The solution is to visit your dentist and have the problem dealt with. When you’re able to enjoy your favourite foods without that sharp, stabling pain, you’ll be glad you opted for the procedure!