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Root Canal Symptoms

Ujwal Deshmukh
Root canal infections are one of the most commonly occurring dental problems around the world. Annually, many people undergo root canal treatment, even when in some cases it may not be actually necessary. In order to know whether you really need a root canal treated, you have to know about the proper root canal symptoms. That is what we will discuss here.
At the outset, I'll explain what a root canal is. A root canal is a type of canal that goes down into the root of the teeth. To put it in simple words, a root canal can be defined as a space present inside the root of the teeth. It consists of the blood vessels and nerves situated inside the tooth. A root canal is also referred to as the surgery or treatment to remove oral germs and diseases and further cleaning, filling, and then securing the rest of the part of the teeth.
There are many instances where people get terrified even at the slightest pain in their teeth, and directly opt for dental treatments which also include a root canal. But let me tell you that it is not always necessary to go in for such expensive treatments. While thinking of any treatment or surgery, look out for some characteristic symptoms, and only then decide whether a full-fledged surgery is required or not. So read on to know more about those appropriate root canal symptoms that really call for a root canal surgery.

Causes of a Root Canal

The most common cause of a root canal infection is tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when a person fails to take proper care of his teeth by not following basic dental care. Accidents that have caused serious teeth damages are also the common reason of root canal infection.
People who have met with an accident during their childhood or have been hit very badly on the teeth can develop tooth decay during adulthood. Another very important cause of a root canal is tooth fracture. Tooth fracture is a severe damage to tooth, which can happen while chewing hard foodstuff or chewing ice.

Symptoms of a Root Canal

The necessity of a root canal arises when a person is showing any of the following symptoms.

Toothache

This is the most common symptom that a person shows. Toothache is mostly experienced while chewing food or while drinking very cold or hot drinks, and this definitely needs medical attention. Moreover, experiences of toothache even on touching need to be treated with a proper root canal treatment.

Discoloration

Sometimes, the teeth start losing their color, which can also be said to be a sign of a root canal. However, make sure that with this symptom, it is exactly the root canal that is facing a problem. Sometimes, factors such as aging, or tobacco consumption (smoking or chewing tobacco) are also responsible for the teeth discoloration. So the cause has to be determined to understand whether it is actually as root canal issue.

Night Disturbances

Toothache goes up to such an extent that it may trouble the person even in his sleep. Toothache can often wake up the person, resulting in frequent sleep disturbances. In such cases, it is better to consult a dentist for a root canal treatment.

Swelling of Gums

Many a time, swelling of the gums occurs. This swelling resembles a pimple, and when pressed, releases pus or blood. A check up by a dentist at the earliest is advised in such cases.

Stimulating Pain

On some occasions, pain begins in one tooth but then it is stimulated in some other organs of the body, mostly the ear and head. The rear teeth are very close to the ears. Therefore, suppose there is pain in any of these teeth, say the rear tooth on the left side, then it will stimulate pain in the left ear.

Tooth Fracture

If you notice or feel any fracture in a tooth, it can be a root canal problem. Our teeth are the strongest bones in our body, and unless they are hit extremely hard, a fracture in any tooth is unlikely. So if there is one, then it would be good to get it checked and treated accordingly.
Hopefully, now you are in a better position to detect the symptoms of root canal and signs. However, if you notice such symptoms, do not conclude that you have a root canal problem. For a short period, clean your teeth extra carefully, and maybe you can use a cannulae tip adapter.
If the symptoms still persist, then it is better to consult a dentist and find out the exact reason, as well as the proper treatment that will relieve you of the pain. The dentist would also provide you with some tips on maintaining dental health and hygiene to keep those teeth pearly white and shining.