Common Signs and Symptoms You Need Root Canal Treatment

Severe Tooth Pain and Sensitivity

Pain and sensitivity are some of the first symptoms that can indicate you need root canal treatment. It’s important to pay attention to these signs early to avoid worsening pain and further damage to your tooth.

• Throbbing Pain: 

One of the most obvious signs is a persistent, throbbing pain in your tooth that may come and go. This pain can be quite intense, making everyday activities like eating or drinking difficult.

• Heightened Sensitivity: 

If you find that your tooth is particularly sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, it could signal nerve damage inside your tooth. This discomfort may last long after the stimulus is removed, making it crucial to see a dentist.

• Pressure Pain: 

A tooth that hurts when pressure is applied, whether it’s from chewing or touching the affected area, could indicate an infection or abscess. If this pain continues or intensifies, it’s time to seek professional help.

Swollen Gums or Discolouration of the Tooth

Aside from pain, there are other visible signs that can indicate the need for root canal treatment. These symptoms often appear when the infection has spread to the surrounding tissues.

• Swelling Near the Affected Tooth: 

Swollen gums, especially around the affected tooth, are a clear sign of infection. The gum may also feel tender, and you might notice a warm sensation. This swelling may worsen over time, so prompt treatment is essential.

• Abscess Formation: 

An abscess, or a pus-filled pocket, can form near the root of an infected tooth. This infection can cause severe pain and may result in a foul taste or odour in your mouth. If left untreated, the infection can spread, affecting other parts of your body.

• Discolouration of the Tooth: 

If your tooth becomes darker or greyish, it’s a sign that the blood flow inside the tooth has been compromised. This is often caused by an infection that needs to be addressed with root canal treatment.

What Happens During a Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment is designed to clean out infected tissue and save the tooth from extraction. The procedure is straightforward and generally involves several key steps. First, the dentist will numb the area with local anaesthesia to ensure you are comfortable throughout the process. Then, the infected or damaged pulp is carefully removed from the inside of the tooth. After cleaning the interior of the tooth, the dentist seals it to prevent future infections.

In some cases, a crown may be placed over the treated tooth to restore its strength and function. This will help protect the tooth from further damage. The root canal procedure is generally well-tolerated, and most patients find they can return to their normal activities after a short recovery period.

Root Canal Treatment Cost and Why It’s Worth It

The cost of root canal treatment is often a concern for patients considering the procedure. While the root canal treatment cost in Malaysia can vary depending on factors like the location of the tooth and the complexity of the infection, it’s generally more affordable than tooth extraction and replacement options such as dental implants.

Root canal treatment preserves your natural tooth, which is invaluable. By opting for root canal treatment, you avoid the need for a costly extraction followed by an implant, which can be a more expensive long-term solution. At White Perfect Dental Surgery, we offer competitive pricing and flexible payment plans to ensure the procedure is accessible for all of our patients. It’s essential to weigh the long-term cost of preserving your natural teeth against the expense of extracting and replacing them. In most cases, root canal treatment proves to be a cost-effective solution.