A toothache can be more than just a minor annoyance—it can disrupt your day and make it hard to focus on anything else. You might find yourself avoiding your favourite foods or carefully sipping your morning coffee.
When tooth pain goes from a fleeting twinge to a constant ache, it’s your body’s way of signalling that something needs your attention. Our team at Generations Dental can help identify the source of your discomfort.
Signs like persistent pain and sensitivity to temperature often indicate an issue inside your tooth. In such cases, a root canal procedure may be the right way to save your tooth and relieve your discomfort.
1. Persistent Pain & Discomfort
You may feel a deep, throbbing ache that seems to come from within your tooth. This kind of type of pain tends to linger and doesn’t usually improve on its own. It’s a constant reminder that something isn’t right.
Sometimes, persistent pain isn’t limited to just one spot. It can travel along your jaw or even cause a dull ache in your ear. This can make it difficult to tell which tooth is the source of the problem. Your tooth might also feel sore when you apply pressure, making it uncomfortable to chew.
If you’re suffering from a tooth ache, you may need emergency dental care.
2. Noticeable Changes to Your Tooth & Gums
A change in the colour of your tooth can be a potential sign of trouble. If you notice that one of your teeth looks darker—almost greyish—it’s possible that the nerve inside has been damaged.
Look for any unusual bumps on your gums, especially near a sore tooth. A small, pimple-like spot can form when an infection inside the tooth needs a way to drain. Inflammation may also cause your gums to feel tender or look swollen.
3. Sensitivity to Temperature
Everyone experiences a little tooth sensitivity now and then, but this is something more intense. You might feel a sharp, intense pain when you sip a hot drink like tea or coffee. The discomfort is immediate and severe, forcing you to stop what you’re doing.
The same can happen with cold foods and drinks. The key difference is that the painful sensation lingers for a long time after you’ve finished your ice cream or cold water. If sensitivity sticks around, it’s a sign that the nerve inside your tooth is irritated.
When Do You Need a Root Canal?
In many cases, you need a root canal when tooth decay moves deeper into your tooth. A cavity that is left untreated can grow larger over time, eventually reaching the pulp, the soft inner tissue of your tooth. Once bacteria gets this far, the pulp may become infected and inflamed.
Damage to your tooth, such as cracks or chips, can also create an opening for bacteria and leave your tooth vulnerable to infection. Even an old injury can cause damage to the nerve that only becomes apparent much later.
What Happens if You Skip Treatment?
An infected tooth won’t heal by itself. If left untreated, the infection can spread from the root of the tooth into the surrounding jawbone. This can lead to more serious issues that are more complicated to address.
An infection can also lead to an abscess, which is a pocket of pus that forms at the tip of the tooth’s root. An abscess can cause significant pain, swelling, and discomfort. Ultimately, avoiding treatment may result in the tooth being too damaged to save, leading to its removal and the potential need for a dental implant.
Your Next Steps with a Dentist in Grande Prairie, AB
If any of these signs sound familiar, your next step is to schedule a dental check-up. The only way to know for sure what’s causing your discomfort is to get a professional evaluation. Our dental team has the tools and knowledge to diagnose your discomfort and recommend a treatment plan.
Your oral health is a lifelong gift, so if you’re experiencing tooth pain, our team at Generations Dental is here to help. Let our team in Grande Prairie show you a relaxed and personalized dental experience. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
