Up to 15% of people living in Australia avoid seeking important dental treatment such as root canal therapy due to the myths surrounding such procedures. People dread the procedure since they think it is highly invasive and associated with a lot of pain. However, with the advancement of dental technology, a root canal is no longer painful and has minimal discomfort.
It is one of the safest dental procedures since it has a 97% success rate. But how do you get to know that you need root canal therapy? Read on to find out.
1. Tooth and Gum Pain
Pain is one of the most common signs that something is wrong with your teeth and needs attention. Although pain in your gums or tooth does not necessarily mean that you require a root canal, it might be an indicator. Therefore, if you are experiencing extreme pain in your gums or tooth, it is vital that you visit your dentist for a dental examination. It might be a result of a severely damaged tooth that requires a root canal.
2. Bumps on your Gums
A bump on the gums is another indicator that you might require a root canal. It is easy to feel an abnormal bump on your gums by feeling it with your tongue. You will most probably go over the same spot over and over again due to some level of discomfort. If you notice that the lumps are multiple, it might be an indication of an infected tooth that might require a root canal.
3. Sensitivity to Temperature
Some people are generally sensitive to hot or cold beverages or food and might not require a root canal. It is also normal to feel some level of sensitivity if you take too cold or hot food or beverages such as ice. However, severe sensitivity to even slight changes in temperature is a clear indication that something is wrong, and you might need a root canal. Visit your dentist to diagnose where the pain is coming from and recommend the best treatment.
4.Darker Gums
If you notice that your gums have become darker than normal within the last couple of days, it might be an indication of infection. Gum infection can become severe if left untreated to a point where it might require complicated procedures to solve the problem. If the tooth around the area where the gums are darker is painful, then that is a clear indication that you need root canal therapy.
5. Chipped or Cracked Tooth
Chipping or cracking of the tooth may be very painful if the dental trauma has exposed the pulp. If your tooth is severely cracked in a way that other dental procedures such as filling cannot solve, it is important that you result to root canal therapy.
Bottom Line
There you have it; some of the signs and symptoms you need to be on the lookout for to determine if you need root canal therapy. Your Bayswater Dentist can save you from both tooth decay, sensitivity, gum pain, and more. Visit us or contact us to schedule an appointment.