How do you know if you need a root canal?

Question

How do you know if you need a root canal? What are the symptoms?

I just finished my treatment plan with my dentist on March 8th but I still have one tooth causing me discomfort/sensitivity after several composite restorations.

Answer 1

A root canal is necessary when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. The causes could be from deep decay,repeated dental procedures on the tooth or a crack or chip on the tooth. Even a blow to the tooth could cause pulp damage even if there are no visible chips or cracks in the tooth.

Signs of pulp damage include pain,prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold,discoloration of the tooth and swelling and tenderness in the nearby gums. Sometimes,there are no symptoms .

Answer 2

At the center of a tooth is a hollow area that houses soft tissue, known as pulp. This hollow area contains a relatively wide space towards the chewing surface of the tooth called the pulp chamber. This pulp chamber is connected to the tip of the root of the tooth via thin hollow pipe-like canals—hence, the term "root canal". Human teeth normally have one to four canals, with teeth toward the back of the mouth having the most. These canals run through the centre of the roots like pencil lead runs through the length of a pencil. The tooth receives nutrition through the blood vessels and nerves traversing these canals. Occasionally, a cavity on the outside of the tooth may allow this soft tissue to become infected. If left untreated, a serious jaw infection can result. The infection and inflammation is very painful in most cases. Treatment should take place before this happens.

Answer 3

Some of the symptoms you will experience: 1: when you bite down, it will feel like that tooth hits first, like it is taller than your other teeth. 2: It will feel different maybe even hurt when you take a pencil, pen, handle of spoon etc and tap on the teeth on both sides of it and then tap on it. 3: It will hurt/throb in the evening more than during the day. It will feel like a heartbeat.
4: Swelling.

Ibuprofen is the best med to take because it is an anti-imflamatory which will shrink the gas pressure that is building up inside of the tooth (pressure is from the infection). Over the counter 200mg, taking 4 at a time, do not exceed 3200mg in a 24 hour period. You must have food or milk in your stomach or you will end up with a belly ache and a tooth ache.

Answer 4

Generally the tooth will throb constantly but especially when exposed to hot or cold, and after eating. Bacteria in the mouth after eating causes the tooth to be more painful. Until you are able to see a dentist, keep the teeth, tongue and gums as clean as possible. Rinse with one part Hydrogen Peroxide to 3 parts water. Taking Ibuprohen will help with the pain. Over the counter it is normally 200mg per tablet, Do not exceed 8 tablets in one day. Take these with food as they may cause stomach irritation. Call your dentist and set up an appointment right away. Tooth pain should never be ignored.

Answer 5

If the pulp (internal tooth matter) is infected in any way, it would require a pulpectomy (removal of pulp).

The root canals will need to be cleaned out.

It can happen when there is exposed pulp because of a chip, a cavity or a crack on the tooth, or an absessed internal tooth.

It could be an extraction that you need.

Answer 6

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your teeth then you need to get in and be seen. Whether you end up needing a root canal or just need a filling it needs to be a priority! Afterall, they have to last you the rest of your life and an infection in your teeth and gums can enter your bloodstream and do more damage and even lead to death.
I wouldn't mess with this!!

Answer 7

Try reading this for more information about root canals. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Root_canal

However, in my opinion, you should definently get your dentist to look at your teeth and decide what needs to be done.

Answer 8

One word: Don't ,I mean it first of all it is a senseless thing to have done ,think about it and ask others that had it done ,you'll find almost all of them ended up having to have it pulled because it either turns black or becomes infected.Just have it pulled.less painfull and no more problems,I can't see spending all the extra money when they have the ability to screw in a new tooth

Answer 9

You definitely need to have your dentist look at it, but some of the signs are bad breath, excruciating pain, throbbing, i hope you get to feeling better!

Answer 10

do not get root canals. trust me. my dad had five pulled and so did i.
do not get root canals and if you have them, get them out:

do not get root canals and if you have them, get them out:

http://www.mercola.com/article/dental/rootcanal/root_canals.htm

http://youtube.com/watch?v=6nbEvFCRAcc

http://www.rooted.tv/Movie_Information.htm

http://www.rooted.tv/Reviews.htm

http://mizar5.com/kennedy.htm