9 Major Signs You Need a Root Canal

There's a regular toothache ; then there's the type that makes grown-ups cry. Your head pounds, gums are swollen, and it's impossible to think of anything but relief. These are sure signs you need a root canal.

It takes an x-ray to be sure. The pulp of your teeth contain nerves, and damage to the root can cause infection and severe pain. The gum around the tooth can swell, making an already bad situation worse.

Where there's infection, swelling can extend to the jaw and face. The good news is that a root canal is no more painful a procedure than a filling. And, once the process is complete, the pain will be gone.

The worst thing you can do about severe tooth pain is nothing. Here are the nine signs you need a root canal and an appointment with a dentist.

The Pain is Constant

A short wincing pain when we drink hot or cold beverages is normal. This lasts a few seconds, as the temperature of the drink may be the culprit.

Or, a sudden pain when biting down on hard food items can shoot pain into a tooth. These could signal a sensitive tooth or need of a thorough exam and cleaning.

But, when pain lasts throughout the day and varies in intensity from bad to worse, there's more going on.

You Feel Pain in Other Areas

The root of a tooth can suffer damage or become infected. These are common causes of pain and may need a root canal to repair.

When the tooth and gum pain spread to the jaw, face, or cheeks, this is a sign the problem is worsening. The dentist will treat the infection with antibiotics before treating the tooth.

Untreated, this infection can become dangerous. If you suffer from these symptoms, call for an appointment right away.

Over the Counter Pain Relief Doesn't Work

A toothache from a crack or cavity may be sensitive. Taking acetaminophen or aspirin will relieve the discomfort. It's important to note that putting an aspirin on the painful tooth is a myth.

It doesn't work. But, if taking common pain relievers do not help, then the problem may be more dangerous.

There is Swelling Around the Tooth

Dentists often see a swollen area in the gum area around the tooth. It usually appears as a what looks like a pimple. This is a sign there's an abscess brewing.

The resulting pus may be under the root and has nowhere to go but the gumline. The area will hurt to the touch, and throbbing pain is common.

Home remedies such as warm salt water are good for simple inflammation. It's useless against infection.

If you have to wait to see a doctor, clove oil is best for treating gum and tooth and pain.

There's a Foul-Tasting Discharge

The soft tissue of our gums can only hold so much infection, and ruptures occur to release the fluid. In this case, it can leak into your mouth.

You may not be able to see it as much as you'll taste it. Its pure grossness will tell you to get in the dentist's chair quick as you can.

Antibiotics may be necessary. Depending on the extent of the damage, so is a root canal.

There's No Other Obvious Cause for Pain

There's a reason we use a dentist. We can't see every part of our mouths. Dentists use several tools to check every crack and crevasse.

But, sometimes we can spot a small cavity, a chip, or a break. If your very painful tooth and swollen gum has no visible damage, then the issue is from the inside.

Though cavities can occur under the gum line, they are not as painful as a tooth which needs a root canal.

The Tooth Has Been Bothering You

Doctors know that no two us have same thresholds for pain. Some of us can soldier through some painful symptoms without ever calling for help.

Though infection or abscess can ebb and flow, it never goes away. Many who experience some high levels of pain find there are good days and bad ones.

But, it will never get better on its own. The longer we wait, more damage can occur. And, it can spread to other teeth with lack of medical attention.

Consistent pain over several days can be a sure sign a root canal is necessary.

You Have a Fever

A fever is your body's way of telling you it's fighting off infection. A low-grade fever can be more uncomfortable than a high one.

We often don't realize we're warmer than usual, yet feel "under the weather". But, if you have pain and discomfort in your mouth, along with a fever, you'll feel worse.

Headaches, jaw pain, and more swelling will follow without intervention .

Inability to Sleep

An unfortunate side effect of tooth pain is losing sleep over it. Any pain tends to cause anxiety, reducing our ability to get to sleep or stay asleep.

Many sufferers tend to believe the pain gets worse at night. It may be more noticeable, and we may feel more desperate since we can't rush to the dentist's office at midnight.

Whatever our reaction, losing sleep from tooth pain is a symptom often heard before a root canal.

Never Ignore Signs You Need a Root Canal

Our list of signs you need a root canal does not cover every symptom. But one thing is for sure, you'll know something's not right.

Sleeping, eating, and enjoyment of normal life should not suffer due to extreme pain. We're here to help!

We can schedule for emergency services as well as routine check-ups .

Check out our blog for more information about maintaining a healthy mouth.