Quick Summary
A dentist confirms the need for a root canal from your symptoms, the signs they observe, and additional testing. Symptoms include lingering pain after hot or cold food and drink, pain or swelling when biting on a particular tooth, pain that disrupts sleep, a pimple-like bubble on the gum, pain radiating to the head or jaw, a tooth darker than its neighbours, or a broken tooth.
If you have tooth pain or another issue, you might wonder what a visit to the dentist may reveal. You may need a root canal procedure. In order to properly evaluate your issue and to confirm the need for a procedure, a dentist will examine several factors. These typically include the symptoms you are experiencing, the signs observed, and any additional testing required to confirm an initial theory.
You may have noticed:
- You experience average to severe pain that lingers, during or immediately after drinking hot liquids or food, or very cold liquids or foods.
- You have pain, swelling, or sensitivity when biting or chewing on a certain tooth.
- Your tooth pain disrupts your life, preventing you from sleeping through the night or conducting your daily business without taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.
- You have a “bubble” on your gum, similar to a pimple. When irritated, it may release blood or pus that can smell or taste bad.
- You have pain that radiates out from one tooth to other areas of your head or jaw. For example, a tooth pain can lead to a pain behind the eye like a headache or to the ear, resulting in earache symptoms.
- You have a discolored tooth that is darker than the surrounding teeth. A grey tooth can indicate a “dead” tooth.
- You have a broken or cracked tooth with obvious signs of damage or decay.
Your dentist may have noticed:
- A tooth problem revealed by x-rays
- A recurring or persistent gum pimple (also called “fistulous tracts”)
- A tooth that has changed color
Additional testing:
- X-ray examination – if x-rays did not reveal the problem, they can provide an extremely clear picture of tooth health
- Percussion testing – a gentle tapping on the teeth to evaluate pain response
- Thermal testing – a careful application of a hot or cold stimulus to evaluate sensitivity
Sometimes, teeth needing to undergo a root canal procedure have no symptoms discernible to the patient. It is important to visit your dentist regularly to ensure the proper diagnosis and treatment needed to maintain life-long oral health.
If you need root canal treatment in the Billerica area, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tests does a dentist use?
X-ray examination can provide a clear picture of tooth health if earlier x-rays did not reveal the problem. Percussion testing involves gentle tapping on the teeth to evaluate pain response, and thermal testing applies a hot or cold stimulus to evaluate sensitivity.
What signs does the dentist look for?
A tooth problem revealed by x-rays, a recurring or persistent gum pimple also called a fistulous tract, and a tooth that has changed colour.
Can I need a root canal without any pain?
Yes. Sometimes teeth needing a root canal have no symptoms discernible to the patient. That is why it is important to visit your dentist regularly, so the right diagnosis and treatment can be made.
What does a grey tooth mean?
A discoloured tooth that is darker than the surrounding teeth can indicate a dead tooth.
Merry Dental, 337 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA 01821. 978-404-5400. Serving Billerica, Lowell, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Burlington and Bedford.