How to Tell if You Need a Root Canal

A root canal is a dental procedure used to restore a tooth that has suffered severe decay. Instead of tooth extraction, the nerve of the tooth is taken out and the tooth is then sealed off. There are signs that you can look for that can indicate if you're going to need a root canal.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Notice toothache pain. Many people who need a root canal will start to feel pain at the tooth's site. The pain is usually especially present when you are chewing food.

2. Feel sensitivity to hot and cold. A tooth that needs a root canal is likely to be very sensitive to hot and cold food items. The tooth may feel irritated even after the food item has been removed from the mouth.

3. Use a mirror to look at the appearance of the tooth. Often, a severely decayed tooth takes on a discolored exterior.

4. Look at the gums surrounding the infected tooth. You may notice that the gums are swollen or that they feel tender when touched.

5. Make an appointment with a dentist. After the initial symptoms, contact your dentist for a full exam. He can perform x-rays on the tooth to tell if a root canal is needed to restore it.

Tips & Warnings

• You may not have any symptoms to tell you that you need a root canal. Often during an annual dental check up, the dentist discovers that the tooth is decayed.
• Most signs that you are going to need a root canal are indicative of an infection. You should see your dentist right away in order to treat this infection as part of the tooth's restoration process.

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