A root canal can treat much more than just toothaches. You could feel no pain and then suddenly during your dental visit, your dentist recommends a root canal. You’re stunned! Why would you need a root canal when you’ve felt no pain and haven’t noticed any dental issues? Keep reading for 5 dental issues that may require a root canal, regardless of whether you feel pain.
Sensitive Teeth
Tooth sensitivity is when you feel aching or a sharp pain while drinking hot or cold beverages. This may be the result of damaged nerve endings or blood vessels inside your tooth. It can also be caused by worn-down enamel. This issue exposes your dentin, tiny tubules that connect to your dental nerve, and makes your tooth vulnerable to extreme temperatures or even sugar.
Swelling
In the area near an achy tooth, your gums could have swelling that comes and goes, or you could feel pain or sensitivity when anything touches them. This is the result of infection. Another sign of infection can be a pocket of puss that looks like a pimple or a large, painless bump that forms on your gums or at the root of the tooth.
A Discolored Tooth
Tooth discoloration can be caused by food and drinks that have staining properties or poor hygiene. But more importantly, it can also be the result of an infected dental nerve. Once the nerve and blood vessels are damaged, it is likely your tooth’s root has also been compromised.
A Cracked or Broken Tooth
Whether the crack or facture occurred while playing a sport, was caused by an accident or is the result of crunching on a piece of hard candy, bacteria can set in and cause infection. Untreated infection can enter the bloodstream and spread to other areas of your body, including your brain. A root canal is needed to clear the tooth’s root and prevent the bacteria from spreading.
A Loose Tooth
Adult teeth do not loosen without a problematic cause. Typically, this the result of gum disease, which develops due to a bacterial infection, but another cause can be a dead nerve. Acidic waste from a dead nerve can cause the bone around the tooth and result in a loose tooth.
Even if nothing hurts, listening to your dentist and getting a root canal can save you from a lot of pain in the future. With a healthy diet and proper oral hygiene you can avoid the need for this treatment and help your smile stay healthy and bright.
About the Author
The team of dentists at MoreSmiles Dental Spa work together to provide each patient with personalized, comprehensive dental care. Dr. Shannon Doyle focuses on family and reconstructive dentistry, Dr. James Moreau Jr. is a cosmetic and implant dentist and Dr. Israel Finger provides prosthodontic and implant services. Together with their staff, they offer patients decades of dental expertise in a spa-like environment. If you are experiencing dental issues, contact the office at (985) 809-7645 or visit the website to schedule your appointment today.