You may assume that "root canal" refers to a dental condition, but the truth is it relates to a section of the tooth. This root canal is the name of the inner passage located between the pulp and the root of the tooth. When you develop tooth decay, a bacterial infection or a dental disease, this passage can become infected too. If the infection is left unencumbered, you may end up losing the tooth, as the pulp and the roots can eventually die. Thus, it is critical to be aware of signs that the nerves in the root canal are affected and to seek medical aid as soon as possible. Below are two of the earliest indicators that show you will require root canal therapy post haste.

Your tooth is darkening

A typical mistake people make with their dental health is assuming that changes in the colouration of their teeth automatically imply staining. However, staining is much different from darkening. Staining usually happens on the surface of the enamel and is caused by lifestyle habits such as smoking or ingesting heavily pigmented foods and beverages. Darkening, on the other hand, occurs from within the tooth. When your root canal becomes compromised, the infection starts to restrict blood supply to the tooth. As a result, the affected tooth begins to die off from the root. You will notice a distinct discolouration at the bottom of the tooth, and this can gradually spread upward. The moment you see this darkening, it is critical to visit your local dentist for an examination.

You have increased tooth sensitivity

Since a majority of people will experience tooth sensitivity at one point or another in their life, this symptom is rarely associated with root canal infections. Furthermore, there is a multitude of reasons why you could develop tooth sensitivity, ranging from dental abrasion to cracks in your teeth. Nonetheless, this does not imply that you should discount root canal issues as the possible cause. When your root canal is infected with bacteria, the nerves in the pulp and the roots become inflamed. As a result, any extreme changes in the temperature inside your mouth will result in pain shooting through these nerves. The worse the sensitivity gets, the more aggravated the infection is, and it will only get progressively worse. Fortunately, tooth sensitivity is one of the first signs so you could end up saving your tooth if you seek medical attention at the onset.