The good news about your teeth is that they each start like a little impregnable citadel, with an outer enamel wall that is more solid than anything else in your body. So, when they're fully intact, teeth literally last for thousands of years.
Here's the rub: if that tooth enamel wall develops a hole, then microscopic invaders may tunnel into your inner tooth, filled with soft tooth pulp and narrow structures inside your tooth roots called canals. These areas are defenseless against the assaulting bacteria, and a painful infection will likely take hold.
At this point, Dr Kropinak and the Telopea Park Dental team can swoop in to dispel the invaders, cleaning out the riffraff and saving your tooth. But because you can't see what's happening inside teeth, here are four signs you need to seek a root canal in Garran.
#1 – A Progressively Painful Toothache
Considered the most common symptom of a tooth infection, pain in your mouth will likely accompany the other signs. But the nature of your toothache will be a distinguishing factor.
First, the toothache may start small but will grow consistently in intensity as the infection grows. Second, the pain will be deep and may seem to radiate out from a particular tooth. You might be tempted to mask this kind of toothache, but we recommend you resolve it by seeing your dentist.
#2 – Red, Sore and Swollen Gums
Another common sign you need root canal therapy is an issue with your gums. Sometimes, an inner tooth infection breaks into your gums, which causes gum pain. Healthy gums are usually pink, and infected gums tend to be redder in colour.
Lastly, if your gums feel puffy, that could be inflammation associated with a progressive infection. Because your tooth infection is now a double threat, it's vital that you seek treatment without delay.
#3 – Black Spot Or Dark Coloured Tooth
When an infection grows in your inner tooth, your pulp may perish and become black with dead tissue. In addition, because your tooth enamel is only partially opaque, darker tissue inside may show through. This may be concentrated in one area, creating a black spot or making the whole tooth look grey.
#4 – A Gum Sore with Bad Taste in Your Mouth
One sign that an inner tooth infection is growing beyond control is a pimple-like bump on your gums, also called an abscess. This pocket is filled with infected fluid because your infection is so significant. These sores often secrete some of that fluid, which tastes terrible.
It also causes bad breath that no amount of mouthwash can cure. So you'd be well advised to seek treatment for this advanced condition.
Root Canal Dentist in Telopea Park, ACT
These signs are all great reasons to pick up the phone and call your Garran dentist for excellent oral health care. At Telopea Park Dental, we can treat you immediately, even if you are a new patient. We invite you to call us if you may need a root canal.