When you go for your checkup at the dentist, one of the last things you want to hear is the words "root canal." Treating a root canal isn't very fun. After all, it takes some time and causes a bit of discomfort. Still, it's essential: ignoring a root canal issue can cause the problem to spread to other areas of the mouth, leading to serious dental problems and even other potential health problems. So, how do you know if you need a root canal? Find out the seven common warning signs that root canal therapy is in your future.

What Is a Root Canal?

First, it's important to understand what a root canal is. A root canal is a type of endodontic treatment — a treatment that works on the inside of the tooth. A root canal treatment aims to repair an extremely damaged or infected tooth in the hopes of avoiding tooth removal. The treatment is called a root "canal" because the process includes cleaning out inside the canals of the roots of the tooth.

A root canal is a fairly straightforward procedure. Your dentist will extract all the bacteria from the tooth pulp, nerve, and root. Then, the area is disinfected with antibiotics and the empty roots are filled. The last step is to close the area to prevent new decay.

What Parts of the Tooth Are Involved in a Root Canal?

The root canal focuses on the inside of the tooth. With this procedure, the damaged or infected tooth pulp from inside the crown and roots of the tooth is cleaned. After the cleaning, the canal is disinfected, filled, and sealed.

7 Signs You Need a Root Canal

Here are the seven most common signs that you may need a root canal.

1. Persistent Pain

Your teeth shouldn't cause you constant pain. If you're finding that you're continuously in pain or the pain frequently bothers you, stops, and then returns, it could be a sign you need a root canal. Persistent pain can be due to a damaged root in your tooth.

Of course, persistent pain can also be due to other dental problems such as a cavity or a damaged filling. To address your tooth pain, see a dentist immediately — after all, no one wants to live with pain!

2. Chipped or Cracked Teeth

When you chip or crack a tooth, it becomes more at risk for a root canal. The tooth is now "open," and bacteria can easily access the inside of the tooth, which can result in an infection. Alternatively, the tooth may have chipped or cracked in the first place because it's infected or decayed, which left it weak. Regardless, it's always a good idea to get a chipped or cracked tooth checked out by a dentist.

3. Sensitivity to Heat and Cold

Believe it or not, your teeth aren't supposed to shock you with pain when you eat something cold or hot. If this happens, it could be a sign that the nerves in your teeth are damaged or infected. When your tooth's pulp chamber is infected, the nerves in the pulp chamber can overreact to heat or cold. Overreaction causes a sharp or dull pain that often lingers.

4. Swollen Gums

Your gums are often a great indicator of your overall oral health. Healthy gums are firm and pink. If you notice a painful tooth has swollen gums surrounding it, this could mean you need a root canal. The swelling occurs from the acidic waste products of dead pulp tissues, and a root canal can help treat the tooth and decrease swelling in the gums.

5. Tooth Discoloration

If the pulp of your tooth becomes infected, it can sometimes lead to your tooth turning a grayish-black color. A lack of blood supply to the tooth pulp can result in the breakdown of internal tissue, which might then be followed by discoloration.

Tooth discoloration doesn't always require a root canal and can instead be due to another dental problem. Regardless, you shouldn't ignore discolored teeth.

6. Tooth Mobility

Tooth mobility is the medical term for a loose tooth. When a nerve is damaged, it can cause a tooth to become dislodged and feel looser. There are other reasons for tooth mobility, but root canal therapy may be necessary if you have a loose tooth.

7. Deep Decay

Letting a cavity go for a long time without treatment can result in deep decay. Deep decay is when an infection has set so far into the tooth that regular oral hygiene care, or brushing and flossing, can't help. Once deep decay has set in, a root canal is often the only solution before the tooth has to be fitted with a crown.

Does a Root Canal Hurt?

Thanks to advances in modern medicine, root canals are often painless for patients. A dentist can use a combination of anesthetics and modern dental techniques, making the procedure as pain-free as possible. Patients might experience some discomfort in the tooth area for a few days post-treatment but over-the-counter pain medication can help.

Don't ignore the warning signs. If you think you might need a root canal, we recommend scheduling an appointment at one of our convenient locations.

FAQs

While loose teeth in children occur naturally unless they're caused by an accident, a loose tooth in an adult often indicates a deeper issue that should be addressed as soon as possible. Gum disease, stress-induced tooth clenching, underlying medical conditions, and even medications can all contribute to loose teeth in adults.

If you've got a loose permanent tooth, it's important to schedule a dental checkup right away. A professional dentist can correctly diagnose the underlying cause and advise on the best treatment options to help prevent permanent tooth loss. We've also created this informative article to help you learn more about the common causes of loose teeth in adults and how dentists treat the condition.

What Does a Loose Tooth Feel Like?

A loose adult tooth feels similar to a loose baby tooth. When you touch the tooth with your tongue, it could feel wiggly or wobbly. You might also feel pressure or pain when biting down or brushing your teeth. Loose adult teeth can also cause inflamed, painful gums that bleed easily. If your loose tooth is caused by an impact injury, it might appear angled in the tooth socket or feel like it's turned around when you touch it with your finger or tongue.

What Causes Loose Teeth in Adults?

Loose teeth in adults have many different causes. In many cases, treating the underlying issues and practicing good oral hygiene can help tighten the teeth and prevent permanent tooth loss. Visiting your dentist at the first sign of a loose tooth or loose teeth is an important step in saving your smile! Here are some of the most common causes of loose teeth in adults.

Undiagnosed Gum Disease

Gingivitis is a type of gum disease that causes puffy, inflamed gums that may bleed when you brush or floss. Periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease that develops below the gum line when plaque hardens into tartar. In addition to inflamed or bleeding gums, periodontitis can also cause loose teeth. This is because the hardened tartar releases toxins that can break down the gum tissues and bone if the condition goes undiagnosed or untreated.

Changes in Bone Structure Due to Disease

Diabetes, hypertension, Crohn's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis are medical conditions that can increase your risk of developing periodontitis. Once periodontitis sets in, it can lead to bone loss in the jaw and changes in the jaw bone structure if left untreated.

Diabetes causes bone loss throughout the body, including the jaw, while immune disorders such as Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis can lower your natural immunity and cause inflammation of the gums and oral tissues. People with hypertension or high blood pressure lose higher-than-normal amounts of calcium through their urine, which can lead to weakened bones and bone loss in the jaw.

Changes Due to Pregnancy

If you've ever heard the old wives' tale "gain a child, lose a tooth," it actually holds some truth! Studies show the natural hormonal fluctuations that occur in pregnancy can cause the gums to overreact to dental plaque and cause inflammation and bleeding.

The good news? Pregnancy gingivitis is usually temporary. With proper treatment, symptoms tend to clear up after the baby is born and the hormones reset. The not-so-good news? If left untreated, pregnancy gingivitis can increase your risk for periodontitis and loss of teeth. If you're pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, it's important to talk to your dentist about your unique dental needs during this time.

Injury

Facial injuries caused by falls, accidents, and sudden impacts can cause tooth luxation, a condition in which the tooth becomes loose or angled in the socket. In addition to a loose tooth, symptoms of tooth luxation can include bleeding gums, tender gums, sensitive teeth, and localized tooth pain. The injured person might also hear a high-pitched sound when they tap on the tooth. If your tooth becomes loose due to an injury, it's important to schedule an emergency dental appointment as soon as possible.

Osteoporosis

Sometimes referred to as a "silent" disease because it doesn't usually cause symptoms until you break a bone, osteoporosis is a condition that causes decreased bone mass. Osteoporosis can develop at any age, but it's most common in older men and postmenopausal women. People with osteoporosis develop brittle bones that can easily fracture. When the jaw bones are weakened by osteoporosis, it can result in loose teeth and possible tooth loss.

Teeth Grinding

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a condition that causes people to grind their teeth during sleep or unconsciously when they're awake. The specific cause of teeth grinding and clenching isn't fully understood, but medical professionals believe that it may be linked to issues such as excessive stress, anxiety, and snoring. Smoking and caffeine intake may also trigger bruxism episodes. Over time, the constant pressure on the teeth and ligaments in the mouth can contribute to loose teeth, especially for people with existing dental conditions such as tooth decay or gum disease.

Medications

Medications don't directly cause loose teeth, but taking certain medicines may increase your risk for dental disease. When dental diseases go untreated, loose teeth and permanent tooth loss can occur. Antihistamines, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and diuretics contain ingredients that can cause fluid loss and dry mouth symptoms. A dry mouth creates the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria to multiply, and bacteria contribute to gum disease and tooth decay.

Treatment Options for an Adult Loose Tooth

Treatment options for adult loose teeth include splinting, bite adjustment procedures, and deep cleaning and scaling.

Splinting is a procedure that's most often used on loose teeth caused by injuries. During a splinting procedure, the dentist bonds the loose tooth to its neighboring teeth with a metal splint. This helps stabilize the loose tooth as the surrounding tissues and ligaments heal. 
Bite adjustment procedures are recommended for patients with loose teeth caused by teeth grinding and bruxism. When a dentist performs a bite adjustment procedure, they use a specialized tool to reshape the biting surface of the tooth. This greatly reduces the pressure caused by grinding and clenching and allows the loose tooth and ligaments to heal.

For patients with loose teeth due to periodontitis, deep cleaning, and root scaling procedures help remove tartar from below the gum line. The dentist uses a scaling tool to break up hardened tartar and calculus on the teeth and the tooth roots. Once the tartar is removed, the gums are allowed to heal and tighten, which can help reverse loose teeth.

Loose Tooth Prevention for Adults

While a loose tooth caused by an injury or accident can't always be prevented, taking proactive steps with your dental health may help prevent loose teeth due to dental disease. Here are some tips on how to prevent loose permanent teeth:

• Schedule regular dental visits. Scheduling regular dental visits that include checkups and cleanings is an important step in preventing tooth loss. Regular cleanings help keep your teeth and gums healthy by removing tartar buildup and plaque. Periodic checkups allow for early detection of issues, such as gingivitis and periodontal disease, that can contribute to loose teeth.
• Wear a mouthguard or splint. If you have bruxism or clench your teeth, your dentist may recommend wearing a mouthguard or splint when you sleep. These devices work by separating the teeth and providing a cushion when you grind or clench. This helps reduce pressure on your periodontal ligaments and may prevent loose teeth.
• Rinse with hydrating mouthwash. Rinsing with a hydrating mouthwash is a good way to reduce bacteria in your mouth and encourage saliva production, which can lower your risk of developing gum disease. If you suffer from dry mouth, be sure to use alcohol-free mouthwash as alcohol can increase dryness and irritate the gum tissues.

If you have symptoms of a loose tooth, Risas Dental can help. Our comprehensive dental services are affordable, and we offer payment plans and financing for all budget types, with no credit check required. We understand a loose tooth can be a little scary, even for adults, but there's no need to worry. At Risas Dental, we "speak patient" — our teammates will guide you through every step of your procedure and keep you informed at all times. Schedule an appointment today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Cavities can cause serious dental problems without treatment. Understanding the signs of cavities and going to the dentist right away can help you avoid health complications. In this guide, we discuss why cavities occur, explore the symptoms, and talk about prevention and treatment.

What Is a Cavity?

Cavities occur when sugar and leftover food particles interact with saliva. This creates an acidic substance called plaque that sticks to the teeth and erodes the tooth enamel. Eventually, you'll have a small hole called a cavity. If you don't get the cavity filled, the nerves and blood vessels within the teeth (pulp) can become infected. The infection can even spread to other parts of the body without medical treatment.

Cavity Signs and Symptoms

Knowing the signs and symptoms of a cavity can alert you to see your dentist before the cavity gets worse. Rather than a simple filling, an advanced cavity may require a root canal and/or a crown.

Sensitivity to Cold & Heat

You may notice pain, tingling, or discomfort when you eat or drink something hot or cold. This sensation can range from mild to severe. It's a sign that plaque has eaten through the tooth enamel and exposed the surface underneath, called dentin.  

Toothache

Pain or pressure can be a sign of a cavity. If you have a toothache, see your dentist to get to the bottom of the issue.

Discoloration

At the early stages of a cavity, you may notice whitish or yellow discoloration on the tooth. Over time, this can become gray, black, or brown, as decay destroys the tooth and forms a larger hole.

Bad Breath

The presence of bacteria can cause bad breath if you have a cavity. You might notice that your mouth just doesn't seem fresh even if you brush, floss, and use mouthwash often.

Bleeding & Swollen Gums

Infection can spread to the gums from a cavity, a condition called gingivitis. Your gums may swell, redden, and bleed when you brush and floss your teeth.

Pus

You may notice white or yellow pus around the gum when a tooth has a cavity. This is a sign of an abscess, an infection that develops when bacteria enter the decayed area.

A Hole in Your Tooth

Advanced cavities can result in a visible hole in the tooth. You may notice brown or black discoloration or feel jagged or rough tooth edges with your tongue.

Pain When You Bite

Cavities can also cause sensitivity to pressure, which results in pain when you bite down. The tooth can even break if the cavity becomes advanced.

Do You Always Have Symptoms If You Have a Cavity?

Cavities don't always cause symptoms. You might not notice anything wrong until tooth decay becomes severe. If you see your dentist often, they'll be able to detect and treat plaque buildup that leads to cavities.

Cavity Causes and Risk Factors

Some parts of the mouth more commonly develop cavities. It's important to brush and floss thoroughly so you reach the base of the teeth near the gum line, between the teeth, and on the grooved surfaces of the molars. You're more likely to get cavities if you don't brush and floss after every meal. Other risk factors for cavities include:

• Chronic acid reflux, which can damage tooth enamel
• Eating disorders like bulimia or anorexia
• Chronic dry mouth
• Lack of dietary fluoride, usually in the water supply
• A diet heavy in acidic and sugary foods and beverages

Cavity Diagnosis and Treatment

If you think you have a cavity, we recommend a visit with your dentist. They'll do a thorough exam, take x-rays and recommend the best care plan for the issue. Depending on the severity of the cavity, your dentist may suggest one or more of these treatments:

• Fluoride treatments. These ward off bacteria and strengthen the tooth enamel. This can be effective for very early cavities that haven't progressed to damage the enamel.
• Fillings. The most common treatment is once a cavity begins to create a hole. The dentist will fill the gap with a material such as porcelain, resin, or an amalgam that combines multiple substances.
• Root canals. These can clear infection that's entered the pulp (inner part) of the tooth. The dentist removes the diseased tissue and either fill the resulting cavity or replaces the tooth with a crown.
• Crowns. Crowns can strengthen and replace a tooth that has severe damage from decay. The crown replaces the entire top part of the tooth with an artificial crown made from porcelain, metal, resin, gold, or composite material.
• Extractions. Removal of the tooth if it can't be restored with a filling or crown. You may need a dental implant to replace the missing tooth and keep your other teeth from moving around, which can cause other dental issues.

How to Prevent Cavities

You can prevent cavities with good oral hygiene habits. Some important steps to take include:

• Avoiding foods and drinks that contribute to cavities, such as chips, dry cereal, hard or sticky candy, cookies, cake, dried fruit, soda, ice cream, and milk
• Eating and drinking only at certain times of the day rather than snacking and having beverages other than water all day long
• Brushing after every meal with fluoride toothpaste, along with frequent flossing (at least once a day)
• Going to the dentist for cleanings and checkups every six months
• Asking your dentist about sealants, which are coatings that can prevent cavities from forming
• Adding foods and beverages that support good dental health, including vegetables, fruits, sugar-free gum, and unsweetened tea or coffee
• Replacing candy with Zollipops, a tooth-friendly candy alternative for children and adults
• Using mouthwash with fluoride

When to See a Dentist

You should see a dentist right away if you have tooth pain, discomfort, sensitivity, or any of the symptoms of a cavity described above. However, it can take a long time for cavities to show symptoms. It's important to have regular dental checkups and cleanings usually every 6 months, so your dentist can catch any potential tooth decay early before it becomes a cavity.

Risas Dental provides quality dental care across the Southwest, with locations in Arizona, Nevada, Colorado, and Texas. Our friendly, caring staff members are fluent in both English and Spanish.  Book an appointment at one of our convenient offices near you today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have you ever wondered what exactly causes a toothache? Well, you’re not alone. While the one common element in all toothaches is pain, toothaches can actually have many causes. A toothache is your body's way of alerting you that something is going on with your teeth. Sometimes, tooth pain is minor and short-lived while other times, the aching in your teeth may be constant and severe.

We've compiled a summary to help you find out everything you need to know about toothaches. This post covers the common causes and misconceptions of toothaches, as well as what you should do if you're experiencing tooth pain symptoms.

What Is a Toothache?

A toothache is a painful sensation in or around a single tooth or several teeth. Toothaches have many causes that range from minor issues such as seeds or popcorn kernels stuck between the teeth to deep tooth decay and advanced gum disease. In some cases, tooth pain may resolve on its own. However, there are times when toothaches are symptoms of serious dental issues.

There are also different types of tooth pain. Some dental conditions cause a constant dull toothache, while others cause tooth sensitivity or throbbing pain. Teeth clenching can injure the mouth's connective tissues and lead to tooth pain. Additionally, changes in the weather can trigger tooth sensitivity in certain people.

Are Toothaches Normal?

Toothaches are never considered normal but tooth pain is common with many dental conditions. In some cases, non-dental issues such as sinus inflammation and stress can lead to tooth pain. Cavities, advanced gum disease, damaged dental fillings or crowns, and even wisdom teeth eruption can cause aching teeth. This can sometimes make it difficult to pinpoint the specific cause — unless you're a dentist! Because toothaches can occur for so many different reasons, the best way to determine if your tooth pain is due to a dental issue is to schedule a dentist appointment as soon as possible.

Common Causes of Toothaches

While cavities are considered one of the most common causes of toothaches, there are several other reasons why your tooth may be giving you trouble. Also, cavities usually don't hurt until they progress and grow in size. If you suspect a cavity is causing your tooth pain, chances are that it's been there for some time. Wondering what else may be causing your toothache? Here are some common culprits:

Dental abscess. A dental abscess is a bacterial infection that causes inflammation and pain around the tooth and gum tissues. Abscesses are often treated with antibiotics and usually indicate an underlying dental issue that must be addressed as soon as possible.

Teeth grinding/clenching. Clenching and grinding of the teeth puts pressure on the teeth and surrounding gum tissues. Grinding and clenching can cause tooth pain and jaw pain.

Sinus infections. Pain in the upper teeth might be due to a sinus infection or inflamed sinuses. The pain may radiate to the sides of the face, and it's most often accompanied by sinus symptoms such as congestion.

Injuries. Impact injuries to the face and mouth can sometimes cause cracked, fractured or broken teeth. These injuries can be painful, and they should always be checked out by a dentist so they can determine if the underlying tooth roots or tissues are damaged.

Tooth sensitivity. Some people with sensitive teeth feel pain when drinking cold or warm beverages, while others may experience temporary sensitivity following dental work. Tooth sensitivity occurs when the tooth enamel becomes damaged or worn down. Some things that can lead to worn or damaged enamel include excessive consumption of acidic beverages, teeth whitening, tooth grinding, and tooth clenching.

Common Misconceptions Around Toothaches

There are many common misconceptions about toothaches that range from what causes them to how a toothache should be treated, and some of these ideas are quite unusual!

Did you know that in the Middle Ages, many people believed that toothaches were caused by worms that somehow found their way into the teeth? Some treatments used to coax the tooth worms out included applying honey to the teeth and inhaling smoke! If you're reading this and fear you might have worms in your teeth, don't worry — this idea is just a myth. Experts believe that the idea of "worms" actually comes from the tubules inside the teeth. Tubules are a natural part of the tooth structure that have a "worm-like" appearance.

While modern misconceptions about toothaches don't usually involve worms, there are still many ideas for causes and cures that simply aren't true. Some people believe that rubbing crushed aspirin on an aching tooth can stop the pain and cure the underlying condition. Unfortunately, aspirin can't cure cavities or dental infections. Plus, rubbing aspirin on the tooth can actually irritate the surrounding gum tissues.

Another common belief is that if a toothache goes away on its own or only happens sporadically, there's no need to visit the dentist. While some types of minor tooth pain are short-lived and don't require dental treatment, tooth pain that suddenly stops or comes and goes may indicate a tooth infection or deep decay.

To keep your smile safe and relieve the pain for good, it's always better to talk with your dentist and schedule a check-up if you have any kind of tooth pain.

What to Do If You Have a Toothache

If you have a toothache, the first thing to do is schedule an appointment with your dentist so they can assess the situation and provide the best treatment to relieve your pain. When you contact your dentist to book your initial appointment, be sure to let them know about your symptoms and the level of pain you're experiencing. This can help them determine if you need emergency dental care.

Your dentist may also offer suggestions on how to help soothe tooth pain while you wait for your appointment. Some helpful home care methods may include taking over-the-counter pain medications, eating soft foods, and rinsing with warm salt water or antiseptic mouthwash.

If you're concerned about an aching tooth or you've got a loose filling or other dental issues that are causing you pain, Risas Dental can help. We offer affordable dental services for adults and kids with flexible payment plans for all budget types. Our bilingual teammates work hard to ensure you're fully informed about our treatments and procedures. We look forward to assisting you with all of your dental needs. We offer a $10 dental exam and x-rays for new patients without insurance, which is a great way to find out what might be causing your toothache. Book your appointment today.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is very common to hear dentists or other people talk about different foods you should avoid in order to keep your teeth as healthy as possible. However, did you know there are also some foods that you should add or increase to your diet that can actually help improve your oral health?