How do you know if you need a Root Canal?
- A tooth has pain to temperatures such as extreme hot and cold
- There is a pimple by your tooth
- A root canal is similar to getting a filling
- The worst part is holding open for a longer period of time
- This can lead to jaw soreness
- Placing orajel, clove oil, and taking ibuprofen/tylenol can help relieve pain
- See your dentist for diagnosis and antibiotic
Picture this, you have been busy for the last few years, and you were going to go to the dentist for a checkup and yep, the pandemic happened. Well now it's been a couple years and now you’ve been getting a dull tooth ache with sensitivity to cold. You call Parker Family Dentistry and bam they get you the same day:) However, you start to get stressed asking yourself, O gosh do I need a Root Canal? Lets determine if you need one!
What is a Root Canal?
A Root Canal is when the dentist removes the nerve aka the pain of the tooth and places an antibacterial filling material inside the root of your tooth. The roots and the tooth are still intact, however just the dental pulp (nerve) is removed from the tooth.
Does it hurt?
Contrary to popular belief root canal is a routine procedure that is similar to getting a filling. The worst part is holding open for longer periods of time, which can lead to jaw soreness. However, the good news is we have bite blocks(tooth pillows) that help relax the jaw. After the procedure there may be some tenderness and soreness, however this shall dissipate after a week.
How do I know if I need a root canal?
Alright let's get to the point to decide if you need a root canal. Usually, a pain sensation such as hot or cold that lingers on one particular tooth that you can pin point. If it is general sensitivity to cold when drinking cold water or ice cream, but not painful it is generally something else. If you notice a pimple forming around the gum line near a tooth that could indicate that there is an abscess. This can sometime be painful, or you may not experience any pain. If it is painful the dentist will have to be Dr. Pimple Popper and drain the abscess. A few other symptoms are pain on chewing, a hole (large cavity) felt in the tooth, a dark tooth, and swollen gums.
What should I do?
Placing Orajel or clove oil on the tooth will help temporarily relieve the tooth pain. If pain starts don’t prolong it, the longer you wait the worse it gets. You will most likely need an antibiotic in order to calm down an infection. Take ibuprofen or tylenol to help relieve the pain. Call your dentist in order to make an appointment to decide if a root canal is needed.
Verdict
A root canal is a routine procedure similar to a filling. Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold causing pain is the most common sign that you need a root canal. Tylenol or ibuprofen can help relieve the pain. Prolonging going to the dentist can lead to worse pain.