We often do not think about how complicated our teeth are, but they can send silent signals when they are in distress. A root canal infection is one of these silent warnings. It can happen if you do not treat tooth decay or damage.
Root canal infections often cause a lot of pain, but at first, they may only have mild signs that are easy to miss. This is why the skills of endodontics specialists in Brentwood are so important.
Know the silent signals.
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More sensitivity to changes in temperature.
Getting more sensitive to temperature is one of the first signs that you might have a root canal infection. This can show up as sharp pain when you drink or eat something hot or cold. This pain may not go away when the trigger is taken away, like temporary sensitivity does.
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Constant toothache.
A toothache that will not go away is another usual sign. A toothache once in a while is normal, but a dull, throbbing pain that lasts for days or weeks could be a sign of a bigger problem. If you bite down or put pressure on the tooth that hurts, the pain might get worse.
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Tooth pain and swelling in the gums.
Sores and swelling in the gums can happen as the infection gets worse. The hurt spot might look red and swollen. In the worst cases, the infection can spread to the jawbone, which can make the face swell and hurt.
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Bite changes.
Little changes in the bite are also a sign. What if your bite feels off or some teeth are touching each other differently? This could be a sign of a deeper dental problem, like a root canal infection.
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Changes in the tooth color.
A clear change in the color of a tooth could be a sign of trouble. If you compare an infected tooth to its healthy friends, it might look darker or grayer. This coloring is often caused by pulp tissue inside the tooth that is dying. The change you can see is caused by pigments that can leak out of the rotting pulp and into the tooth structure.
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Persistent bad breath.
Even if you brush and floss your teeth every day, having bad breath all the time can be a sign of a deeper dental problem, like a root canal infection. When germs build up around a damaged tooth, they give off smelly chemicals that make bad breath last longer.
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Gum boils.
When pus builds up in the gums near an infected tooth, it can cause gum boils, also called oral abscesses. These sores are a sign of a very bad infection that needs dental care right away. The illness can spread to nearby cells and even the bloodstream if it is not treated.
Why it is important to detect a root canal infection early.
Finding and treating a root canal infection as soon as possible is very important to keep it from growing and leading to more serious problems. If the infection is not handled, it can turn into an abscess, a pocket of pus that can be very painful and swell up. An infection can sometimes even get into the bloodstream, which is called a systemic illness.
Seek professional help.
It is important to see a dentist right away if you have any of the above signs. A dentist can figure out what is wrong and suggest the best way to treat it. A root canal treatment can often save the tooth and keep problems from getting worse.
It is possible to protect your oral health by being aware of the early signs of a root canal illness. A root canal treatment is not always necessary if you go to the dentist regularly, take care of your teeth, and report any problems right away. Remember that a healthy smile is important and that the best way to keep it is to take care of it early on.