If you are having a problem with one of your teeth, you may be wondering if you need a root canal. Of course, your dentist can tell you, but if you will not be seeing them for a few days, there are ways you can know. Below are five symptoms you may have if you need a root canal.
Gum Tenderness and Swelling
Your gums will likely swell if you need a root canal. The swelling may stay constant or it may come and go. If you feel your gums with your finger, you will feel where the swelling is. The gums will also be tender, which you will notice when you are brushing and flossing your teeth. You will also feel tenderness if you eat very hot food or drink drinks that are very cold.
Pain
Obviously, pain is one of the main symptoms you will have. The pain with a root canal, however, generally comes from deep within your gums under the affected tooth. You will notice the pain becomes worse when you chew. You may feel pain while you are sleeping if you roll over and that side of your face rests against the pillow. In some cases, you will feel pain over the jaw and the entire side of your face. In a case like this, it may be difficult to know which tooth is causing you problems.
Discolored Teeth
You may notice the affected tooth is discolored, such as yellow or a light brown. This is because you may have damage to the nerves in your gums. When this happens, the nerves cannot supply blood to the tooth. The tooth will then start to decay, starting at the root until it reaches the surface of the tooth. At this point, your tooth could completely deteriorate if the problem is not taken care of.
Gum Pimples
Gum pimples are small blisters that will pop and burst open. If this happens, you will likely have an unpleasant taste in your mouth from the fluid that drains from the blister. If you frequently have gum blisters, this is a sign that the nerves are damaged in the gums.
If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your dentist. If a root canal is needed, you may be scared that it is very painful, but the dentist uses an anesthetic to numb the gums so you will not feel any pain at all.
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