A root canal is a procedure in which the infected pulp of a tooth is cleaned or extracted. Typically, human teeth consist of three layers. The external layer is called the enamel, the mid-layer is the dentin, and the inner layer that is the soft core of the teeth extends down to the jaw bone. The pulp of the tooth is present inside the softcore, and it consists of connective tissues, nerves, and blood vessels.
When the decay reaches the core of the tooth, that is where things start going in the wrong direction. The dental pulp is highly sensitive to bacterial infections, pressure, or temperature. In case of any bacterial attack, or impact, it gets inflamed, painful, and even necrotic. Eliminating an infected pulp is safe and convenient only through a root canal.
The real question is, how do you know your tooth requires a root canal? The following is a list of 4 telltale signs that mean you need to see a dentist right away!
- IF YOU FEEL CONTINUOUS AND PERSISTENT PAIN:
One of the significant symptoms that leads to the diagnosis of an infected pulp is persistent pain. If the pain is piercing, and sometimes it lingers for a few hours and then goes away, but comes back stronger, seeing a dentist is a must, or you might lose the teeth forever.
Other oral diseases that can cause tooth pain are:
- Cavity.
- Sensitive gums.
- As a consequence of sinus pain.
- An old damaged filling.
- A damaged tooth due to any impact.
- TEMPERATURE SENSITIVITY:
If you feel a sharp pain when you sip on some hot coffee or cold icy water, it could be a sign that the blood vessels and nerves of your teeth are infected or compromised. The infected dental pulp is extremely sensitive to temperature. Hence, anything hot or cold can cause a dull ache or stabbing pain. People with infected pulps cannot enjoy having hot teas and ice creams without feeling the sensitivity of their teeth.
- DISCOLOURATION OF THE TOOTH:
A pulp that is infected has severed blood vessels, which means the tooth loses an adequate supply of blood. This causes a change in the colour of the teeth, causing them to look grey-black. The two main culprits that can lead to root damage and tooth discolouration, are trauma to the tooth or the disintegration of the softcore tissues.
- SORE AND SWOLLEN GUMS:
Swollen gums are one of the most common symptoms of an affected dental pulp. If you feel the gums around the painful teeth tender and swollen, it means only one thing. The dental pulp of the teeth is on its way towards becoming necrotic. Moreover, you can also find a pimple on your gum that may ooze pus, leaving an undesirable taste in your mouth and causing a malodor.
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, you might need immediate dental attention. Call us emergency dentists in Oldham and emergency dentist in Stockport to relieve yourself from the pain and enjoy eating whatever you want to eat.