Welcome to my site! My name is Verity. I work as a receptionist in a dentist office. Every day for the past 20 years, I have come in to the office, worked on paperwork, and greeted patients. I love my job, because it has helped me meet a lot of really wonderful people. I have seen families grow up! But an added benefit from my job is that I have also picked up some small information about dentistry. I'm not one of the dentists, but I do know quite a bit about simple procedures and basic dental hygiene. Hopefully this blog can teach you something, but remember to always consult with your actual dentist for real professional advice!
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Warning Signs That Your Tooth Needs A Root Canal
Eleanor Crawford
One dental procedure that is feared by many is the root canal. While the procedure is very common and safe, this fear can cause people to delay having one done because they do not want to go through it. Root canals actually help relieve pain in teeth that are problematic and will improve your overall oral health as a result. If you think you may need to get a root canal, here are a few warning signs to look out for.
Pain
The easiest way to identify the need for a potential root canal is pain. If you have suddenly started feeling pain, have a part of your mouth that is swelling, or have an infection, it could be from decay happening inside a tooth. While pain is associated with several dental problems, your dentist will be able to tell you if the solution to stop the pain is a root canal. Ignoring the pain could lead to permanent damage to the tooth and even require it to be pulled because it is beyond saving.
Color Changes
You may not be aware that your tooth that's in need of a root canal may change color. This is because the decay is happening inside your tooth, and in some situations, it will show through to the outside of the tooth by changing its color. If you have a tooth that has become darker than the rest, even if it is not feeling like it is in pain, go to your dentist to have the tooth checked out. A tooth in need of a root canal can turn yellow, gray, or black, with the color depending on how much decay is in the tooth. It's a definite sign that you need to visit a dentist.
Sensitivity
Pay attention to how your teeth react to temperature changes. You may find that a tooth is suddenly a lot more sensitive to drinking cold or hot beverages, such as ice water or hot coffee. If the pain comes on suddenly when a certain tooth is exposed to the drink, you should have the tooth looked at. Temperature sensitivity can gradually get worse over time or occur suddenly and without explanation. In either situation, a dentist will be able to look at the tooth to figure out what is happening with it to cause that extreme sensation.
These are just a few ways to diagnose a tooth that may be in need of a root canal procedure. If you have suspicions, be sure to visit your dentist.
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