Are you struggling with sensitive teeth?
Do you feel an ache or a tingling sensation every time you eat or drink something hot or cold?
You\’re tired of suffering through the pain, and have eventually reached your tipping point.
The longer you try to put it off, the more severe the pain.
And when there’s pain, there’s a dental emergency!
Don\’t endure painful or sensitive teeth any longer; seek help from our emergency dentist in Armadale today.
Five ways to tell if you need a root canal treatment
Repairing a decayed or infected tooth is an effective solution that can protect your teeth from infection and discomfort. A root canal is a specialised dental treatment that removes bacteria, pulp, and abscesses from the inside of your tooth. If you suspect you may need a root canal, or are otherwise looking into a variety of dental treatments to determine which best fit your needs, we invite you to schedule a visit to your Armadale dentist for a consultation.What are the signs that a root canal is needed?
So how do you know if the pain you\’re feeling is a sign that a root canal treatment is needed? Here are five signs that may indicate you need a root canal.1. Tooth sensitivity
Do your teeth hurt every time you eat or drink something hot or cold? In particular, when you chew, brush, or apply pressure on your teeth, you may feel that your tooth sensitivity intensifies. Tooth sensitivity can be the result of damaged nerves or a bacterial infection in your teeth and gums.What happens if a root canal goes untreated?
If the need for a root canal is left unattended, the bacterial infection can spread to other areas of the mouth such as the gums and jaw. It can also lead to a tooth abscess, which is a pus-like infection that can lead to a variety of serious health issues. A root canal treats the cause issue in your dental pulp and solves your pain and discomfort.2. Persistent tooth pain
Any type of tooth pain indicates that something is wrong. One of the most common reasons people get a root canal is tooth pain. Bacteria and decay may have reached your tooth pulp – the inside of your tooth – causing abscesses and infection in your tooth. When this happens, the tooth’s nerves get damaged, which can result in swelling and severe pain in your jaw. Depending on the intensity of the damage, you may need a tooth removal or a root canal from a dentist.3. Tooth discoloration
Discolouration is most often caused by food and lifestyle factors such as drinking coffee and smoking. However, tooth discolouration can also be an indication of tooth decay and a subsequent root canal may be required if a tooth continues discolour or decay. A tooth infection in your pulp can also cause sudden discolouration, leaving a tooth black or grey in appearance.4. Swollen gums
Many people have experienced swollen or painful gums, and the fact is that this can point to a number of oral health conditions. In some cases, however, if the gum is swollen, painful to the touch, and showing any signs of discolouring, this could indicate that an infected tooth is leading to gum decay. In such cases, you may need a root canal. No matter the cause, swollen and painful gums are a clear indicator that something is wrong. Do not ignore the pain; consult with our Armadale dentist right away.5. Broken teeth
Suffering from a sudden broken, chipped, or cracked tooth? Don\’t put up with the pain and discomfort; doing so can lead to infection, inflammation, and nerve damage. Broken teeth are prone to infection from exposure and may eventually damage the nerves in your teeth. When this happens, you may need a root canal treatment to treat your tooth’s pulp.
How can I avoid a root canal?
In many cases, root canal is the best and most effective treatment when facing an infected tooth. And while there’s no guarantee you can ever avoid a root canal, general oral care is key in keeping your teeth in top condition. These simple yet critical steps include:- Brush and floss daily
- Avoid hard food and acidic drinks
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports
- Don’t use your teeth for anything other than chewing!
- Don’t ignore pain or discomfort
- Schedule regular dental check-ups
