4 Things To Know About Your Tooth That Needs A Root Canal
Have you been told by your dentist that you need a root canal, and now you're wondering if you actually need one? Here are a few things that you should know about problems associated with teeth that need root canals so you can understand why the procedure is being recommended by your dentist.
Your Tooth Pulp Is Infected
The main reason that you will need to get a root canal is when the pulp inside your tooth is infected. The nerve is a hollow space within your tooth that has nerves in it, and bacteria and decay can get inside the pulp chamber. When this happens you have inflammation and your body will try to fight it by sending cells to kill germs, which causes inflammation of the tooth.
Your Tooth May Feel Painful
Many people feel like they only need to get a root canal if they feel pain, but that is not always true. While a root canal will need to be done immediately if you are feeling pain in the tooth, it's possible that your dentist is catching the early sign of an infection and wants to take care of it sooner rather than later. The X-rays can show what is happening inside that pulp chamber and how bad the infection has spread. If you do not feel pain at the time, you'll likely feel it if you do not have the tooth treated.
Your Teeth May Feel Very Sensitive To Cold
If you have some mild sensitivity to cold when eating, this is not typically a sign that you need a root canal. However, strong or lingering pain means that the cold temperatures are reaching the inside of the tooth because it is compromised. While you shouldn't freak out if you notice cold sensitivity, it should be a concern when it is getting worse rather than getting better.
Your Tooth May Hurt More When Eating
Pay attention to how the tooth feels when you put pressure on it when eating. If you are feeling pain when you put pressure on the tooth, it could be due to an abscess that you have in the bones around your tooth. It can feel like a dull ache or extremely painful and should be treated right away.
Do you have questions about your tooth and wonder if a root canal is necessary? Reach out to your dentist for a consultation about this dental procedure.