5 Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Your tooth’s pulp in the center of each tooth contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that supply your teeth with nutrients to keep them functioning properly. However, the pulp may become infected if bacteria enter through cavities, cracks, or chips. Untreated infections can lead to painful abscesses and spread to surrounding tissues and other areas of the face, head, and neck.

Root canals are a procedure that solves this problem by removing the infected tooth pulp, cleaning the space where the pulp was, and resealing the tooth. If you have dental insurance that covers root canals, this can help you save money on the procedure. Here are five signs that you may need a root canal:

1. Severe, persistent toothache

A severe toothache that doesn’t go away may indicate a tooth infection. This is especially true if the pain feels like it’s radiating from deep within your tooth. It could also cause referred pain in surrounding areas of your face or jaw. This pain comes from the buildup of bacteria, pus, and swollen tissue within the tooth. These materials press against nerves and other sensitive structures, causing pain. So, if you have a severe toothache that persists for a long time, you may need a root canal.

2. Prolonged extreme sensitivity to hot and cold

Many people experience occasional or light sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, such as when eating or drinking. This is generally not a cause for concern. However, prolonged and extreme sensitivity to hot and cold could be a warning sign of a tooth infection. This could be because damage or cracks through which bacteria enter to reach the pulp also expose sensitive inner portions of the tooth to the hot and cold temperatures. Therefore, if that sensitivity-related pain is sharp and remains long after exposure to the temperatures, you may have an infection that could require a root canal.

3. Tooth discoloration

The breakdown of dental pulp and other internal tissue caused by a tooth infection can turn the tooth grayish-black. Teeth can be discolored through plaque buildup and eating certain foods, so it’s not always a sign of infection. However, if a single tooth is severely discolored, that may indicate an infection and  could require a root canal.

4. Tender gums and gum sores

When dental pulp breaks down, it can create acidic waste products that cause gum swelling or tenderness. Therefore, tender or swollen gums could indicate a potential infection in nearby teeth, especially if you can identify other infection signs in a particular tooth. Small, pimple-like sores that ooze pus may also appear on your gums. These are further signs of a possible infection in a nearby tooth.

5. Tooth mobility

Loose teeth can be caused by physical trauma to the mouth or severe decay. However, if you have a loose tooth without severe decay or recent physical trauma, it may be infected. This is because the infection can spread to surrounding structures that support the teeth, weakening them. As a result, the tooth moves around.

The bottom line

Some of these signs may not necessarily indicate a tooth infection. For example, minor tooth discoloration may be the result of plaque buildup. Another example is swollen gums, as they may occur through plaque buildup below the gumline. However, you can never know for sure without a professional. So, regular dental visits are crucial to seeing if a root canal is needed. If the symptom is severe, contact your dentist outside of your regular appointments.

Fortunately, modern techniques have made root canals relatively painless. Plus, with dental insurance that can help cover root canals, you can reduce the cost of treatment and restore your smile to good health. Meanwhile, dental insurance for orthodontics may also help cover root canals while helping you pay for any necessary corrective devices. Therefore, if you experience these symptoms, speak with your dentist as soon as possible to see if a root canal is needed.

Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.

Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.

Dental: In Delaware, Policies A82100R–A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A82100RID–A82400RID. In Oklahoma, Policies A82100ROK–A82400ROK.  In Virginia, A82100RVA–A82400RVA.

Dental, Vision, and Hearing coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (NAIC 92908).

Dental, Vision and Hearing: In Delaware, Policy T80000. In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. Dental claims are administered by SKYGEN USA, LLC. Vision claims are administered by EyeMed Vision Care, LLC.  Hearing claims are administered by Nations Hearing. NOTICE: The coverage offered is not a qualified health plan (QHP) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is not required to satisfy essential health benefits mandates of the ACA. The coverage provides limited benefits.

Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to NJ, NM, NY, VA or VT. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions.

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