Most patients try to put off getting a root canal treatment because of anxiety. Other times, they might not even realize they need one until the damage is already done. Knowing the top common signs of needing a root canal is vital so you can take care of your dental infection as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could risk losing the tooth if it’s not treated in time. We provide root canals here at Shapiro Family Dentistry, and our team is committed to helping patients get a beautiful and healthy smile through our quality dental services. 

In this blog, we’ll cover the basics of what root canals are, the causes of dental infections, the top 5 common signs of needing a root canal, steps you can take to prevent future tooth infections, and more.

What is a Root Canal? 

When you have a dental infection, it can quickly spread to the surrounding bone and your tooth’s nerves and blood vessels (the pulp). To prevent this from happening, you will need to get a root canal treatment. During a root canal, your dentist will remove your tooth’s damaged pulp and clean out the infection in the root. The treatment is designed to preserve the infected tooth and prevent further decay. 

During a root canal treatment, your dentist will numb the affected area, drill a small hole in the tooth, and thoroughly clean out the infection with special instruments. Depending on the severity of the case, your dentist might need to coat the area with antibiotic medication before filling the tooth and sealing it. Since you no longer have the nerve to support the tooth, it can become brittle, so your dentist may recommend getting a dental crown for extra protection. 

What Causes Dental Infections? 

People can get dental infections for multiple reasons. Anything from tooth trauma to not properly caring for your teeth could require needing a root canal treatment. Tooth infections are not only painful, but they can badly damage your teeth and the surrounding bone. Three of the main reasons people require a root canal treatment are:  

• Tooth decay 
• Tooth damage 
• Tooth disease 

How do I Know If I Need a Root Canal or Just Have a Cavity? 

Typically, knowing if you have an infection that needs a root canal or just have a cavity depends on the location of the tooth decay. You will most likely only need a dental filling if you have a small cavity on your tooth’s surface. However, if the decay has reached the pulp of your tooth and is causing severe tooth sensitivity and pain, you’ll need a root canal.

What Are the Top Signs of Needing a Root Canal? 

At first, you might not instantly recognize the signs of needing a root canal. You might not know your tooth is infected and might even think it’s something else that’s not too serious. Knowing exactly what to look out for can ultimately save your tooth and put an end to bad toothaches. Make an appointment with your dentist if you notice the following signs and symptoms: 

Persistent Pain 

Sometimes your tooth could feel sore or like it’s throbbing when you have a dental infection. Other times, you could experience serious pain when you put pressure on the tooth. Either way, when there’s pain, there’s a problem. Pain is one of the most common signs of needing a root canal, but it could also be something else like a damaged filling or cavity. Because of this, it’s important to have a dentist properly diagnose the problem. 

Tooth Discoloration 

If the pulp of your tooth becomes infected, it can cause some discoloration. When there is an inadequate blood supply in the tooth, the pulp can die or become damaged. Impaired roots will give your tooth a grayish-black appearance. If you notice your pearly whites are changing colors, it’s a good idea to make a trip to the dentist. 

Swollen Gums 

Swelling in the gums is generally a result of acidic waste products of dead pulp tissues. Sometimes you might even notice swelling in the cheek where the tooth infection is located. Swollen gums are a sign you don’t want to ignore, as it may mean you have a tooth abscess. This is a buildup of pus from a bacterial infection and can spread to the gums and the bone of the mouth. 

Tooth Sensitivity 

If you have a tooth that’s sensitive to heat and cold, it could be a sign you need a root canal. Feeling a dull ache or sharp pain that lingers can be a sign that your tooth’s blood vessels and nerves are infected or damaged. 

Cracked or Chipped Tooth 

You don’t want to ignore a cracked or chipped tooth! If there is any kind of damage that results in a crack or chip, bacteria can start to set in and inflame or infect the tooth. If you have craze lines, which only appear on the outer layer of the enamel, you won’t need treatment. 

Do I Need a Root Canal if I Have No Symptoms? 

Sometimes, you may have a new tooth infection and an X-ray may show a problem with your tooth that hasn’t developed to the point of causing pain yet or there is a dead nerve inside your tooth. In any of these scenarios, you may not have any obvious symptoms of needing a root canal yet, but it still may be necessary. Your dentist will be able to properly diagnose any issues and recommend the right treatment plan.

How Long Can You Leave an Infection Untreated Before Getting a Root Canal?

You should not go more than a few weeks of having an infection before having a root canal done. The sooner the root canal, the more likely you can fully eliminate the infection and save your tooth. Once you start to notice any signs of needing a root canal noted above, you should contact your dentist right away to schedule an appointment.

Is It Better to Pull a Tooth or Have a Root Canal?

In most cases, having a root canal procedure done is a much better way to treat an infected tooth than an extraction. However, there are exceptions and sometimes you may need to get a tooth pulled, such as if the tooth has suffered extreme damage. Your dentist will be able to recommend the best treatment plan after carefully examining your tooth and the infected area.

Common Reasons for Dental Infections 

A lot of things factor into you needing a root canal. Although many of these can be prevented with a simple lifestyle change, others might be out of your control. Common reasons people get dental infections and root canals include: 

• Poor oral hygiene 
• Genetics 
• Age 
• Bruxism (teeth grinding) 
• Dry mouth 
• Sugary food and drinks 

What Can You Do to Prevent Needing a Root Canal? 

Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to prevent the need for a root canal. All you need to do is protect your teeth from infections. How can you do that? Simply follow these tips: 

Visit the Dentist 

Your dentist will always keep an eye out for early signs of issues, so make sure to keep up with your biannual dental checkups and cleaning. It’s always good practice to make an appointment if something seems out of the ordinary, like tooth pain or sensitivity. 

Wear a Mouth Guard 

If you grind your teeth at night or play an impact sport, wearing a mouth guard can protect your teeth from cracking or chipping. People with bruxism can also risk fracturing their teeth, which can expose the tooth’s roots over time. Wearing a mouth guard at night will significantly reduce those chances. 

Watch What You Eat 

If you consume a lot of food and drinks with sugar and acid, it can have a negative effect on your teeth. Highly acidic food breaks down the enamel in your teeth and leaves sugar on them for bacteria to feast on. Sugary food can leave harmful bacteria (starches) in your mouth. They create acids that turn into bacterial infections that either destroy the enamel or turn into cavities.  

Practice Good Oral Hygiene 

Perhaps the simplest way to prevent yourself from getting oral infections is to stay on top of your oral hygiene. That means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, and having regular dental checkups and cleanings. You can’t get an infection if you keep your mouth and teeth in tip-top condition.

Do You Need a Root Canal in Boca Raton, Ft. Pierce, Boynton Beach, or West Palm Beach, FL? 

If you think you may need a root canal treatment, our team at Shapiro Family Dentistry is ready to get started. We have 4 locations across South Florida in Boca Raton, Ft. Pierce, Boynton Beach, and West Palm Beach. We don’t want you to suffer from tooth pain or other issues any longer, and the sooner you treat the issue, the more likely your tooth can be saved. Contact our office today if you have any questions or concerns and would like to schedule an appointment.