Knowing when to get a root canal is kind of like figuring out when you need a dental filling. It is pretty hard to find about it during the early stages of the problem, hence it can be hard to determine whether your problem will be fixed by oral care efforts at home or if the services of a dentist are required.

The signs can be misleading and sometimes only a dentist is able to tell whether you need a root canal or not. This is because the physical symptoms of the problem usually do not occur until it has become advanced which is why so many people advise seeing the dentist as regularly as you can.

According to dentists at Icon Dental Center, Everett, and Seattle, if you were unable to spot the problem before it became bad, you may end up with an infected tooth that will require a root canal procedure. 

A root canal is performed in order to repair and save a tooth that has become badly infected or decayed. This typically happens when the pulp of the tooth which is made up of nerves and blood vessels is exposed to damage. The dentist must remove the inside of the tooth and then seal it so the decay is prevented from escalating.

With that out of the way, here are 5 common signs that tell you may need a root canal. 

It All Starts With Pain

• Having pain in one of your tooth is one of the most common and main indicators that something is wrong. If you suspect your daily life and normal activities such as eating or drinking are disturbed due to pain in your teeth, you should go see a dentist as soon as possible.

With a regular dental checkup, the dentist will be able to tell if the nerves or blood vessels of the tooth have become inflamed due to infection and whether you need a root canal or the problem can be healed using antibiotics. 

Feeling Sensitive to Hot or Cold

• Another one of the common indicators is that you may start feeling sensitive to hot or cold food and drinks. If you are unable to comfortably drink a hot cup of coffee, there is definitely a problem. 

It usually starts with a dull ache that soon turns into sharp and intense pain. If you do have an infected tooth, the pain is usually very sharp and intense and that is when you must go see a dentist.

Discolored Teeth

• If you are able to see discolored teeth while brushing your teeth, you will need the help of a professional dentist right away. This is the first indicator that the problem is getting worse. You may not feel pain or sensitivity immediately, but if you let the problem stay, then it will likely turn bad.

Take Action Immediately

• Having an aching tooth is one of the worst experiences ever. If you are unable to find relief through normal dental hygiene practices at home, such as using toothpaste to relieve pain, then you must immediately visit your dentist.

Leaving the problem go unsolved can result in deep decay which will leave you with no choice but to get the tooth extracted. For immediate care and consultation, contact Icon Dental Center today.