How to Know If You Need a Root Canal Treatment

A root canal infection can be painful and will require a visit to the dentist who will perform a root canal treatment on your tooth to relieve the pain. But how can you know for sure if your dental pain comes from a root canal infection or not? Find useful information below on signs of a tooth infection.

Dental Issues That May Require a Root Canal Treatment

Any infection of the tooth requires a root canal treatment also called endodontic therapy. You may have heard of infection like an abscess. An abscess is a serious infection, where the infection has spread beyond even the root of the tooth.

What might cause a tooth infection in the first place? Anything that breaks a path into the tooth for bacteria to enter can result in an infection. This includes broken teeth, gum disease, or large fillings. Sometimes we don’t know what specifically caused a tooth infection, but we can still fix it.

Symptoms of a Root Infection 

The following symptoms are often associated with a root canal infection.

• Pain: Persistent tooth pain is always a problem. Tooth pain can come from an infection, a cavity, a damaged filling, gum disease and sometimes can even have other causes. Keep in mind that the earlier you address the pain, the faster we can relieve it.
• Discolored tooth: A dying tooth may turn brown. This tooth may need a root canal treatment.
• New cracks or chips: Teeth that have been damaged are much more susceptible to infections. A dentist can prevent this, so reach out to us after an injury.
• Sensitivity: Sensitivity is not quite constant pain, but discomfort when you put pressure on the tooth or when you eat or drink something that is hot or cold.
• Facial swelling: When faced with an infection, the body often swells, and this is also true for your mouth.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, make sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

Are There Alternatives to Root Canal Treatments?

As dentists, we always try to save your natural tooth as nothing is better and stronger than one. For that reason, after relieving your tooth infection with a root canal treatment, we will often proceed with the installation of a crown to preserve what is left of your original tooth.

However, depending on your circumstances, you may not need endodontic therapy even if you show signs of a root infection. Unfortunately, sometimes the tooth is too far beyond saving and must be removed and replaced.

Tooth infections can sometimes be treated with other methods before they become so serious that they require a root canal. It all depends on what’s going on in your specific case. We can walk you through the right dental procedure for you, should you require endodontic therapy, a new filling, or another type of treatment.

Learn more about Root Canal Treatment in our previous article.

Root Canal Symptoms? Centre Dentaire Pierrefonds Is Here to Help

If you think you have dental symptoms that might require a root canal treatment, we’re here to help. Contact Centre Dentaire Pierrefonds to schedule your appointment today. Our specialized West Island dentists will examine your tooth and condition to propose the right dental procedure to alleviate your pain.