How to Detect If You Need a Root Canal: Signs and Symptoms

If you’re experiencing pain in your teeth, it’s important to figure out what’s causing it. Sometimes the pain is caused by a cavity, and in other cases, it may be due to an infection. If the infection spreads to the pulp inside the tooth, you may need a root canal. How do you know if you need a root canal? Unfortunately, many people wait until they experience pain to seek treatment. However, there are other signs and symptoms that could indicate the need for a root canal. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to detect if you need a root canal and what signs and symptoms to look for.

What is a root canal?

Root canals are often needed when decay and bacteria spread for too long without treatment. At a certain point, this decay makes it to the pulp inside the tooth. If left untreated, the infection will continue to spread and could cause damage to the bone surrounding the tooth.

Symptoms of an infection

Since the pulp includes nerves, infection generally causes a lot of pain. In fact, the pain is often so severe that people will seek treatment right away. However, not everyone experiences pain and some people may only notice other signs and symptoms. These can include:

• bleeding: If you notice blood in your saliva or when you brush your teeth, this could be a sign that you need a root canal.
• swelling: If your gums are swollen or if you notice swelling in the jaw, this may be a sign of an infection.
• bad breath: An infection can cause bad breath, which is often one of the first signs people notice.
• pain when eating or chewing: Pain in the tooth, jaw, or surrounding areas could be a sign of an infection.
• Cracked tooth: A cracked tooth is very likely to have exposed the pulp of your tooth to bacteria and infection.

What does a root canal cost?

The cost of a root canal can vary depending on the location and how complex the procedure is. However, the average cost is around $800 – $1000. If you think you may need a root canal, it’s important to consult with your dentist to get an accurate estimate.

What happens during the procedure?

During the procedure, your dentist will start by numbing your mouth with local anesthetic. He will then remove the decay from the tooth and then clean and sterilize it. The pulp will be removed and the root canals will be sealed off.

After a root canal

Once your root canal is complete, you may experience some discomfort. Your dentist might prescribe pain medication or recommend over the counter meds. It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions closely to ensure a speedy and successful recovery.

Where is a good place to have a root canal?

You should choose the best dentist in your area. You may also want to seek out the help of a specialist, such as an endodontist.

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing any of the signs or symptoms mentioned in this blog post, it’s important to seek treatment right away. Delaying treatment could cause further damage and increase the cost of the procedure. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office today.