When A Tooth Goes Hot: Early Signs And Root Canal Therapy

If your dentist has diagnosed you with a hot tooth, chances are you are a significant amount of pain. What your dentist is referring to when describing a hot tooth, is that the tooth has pulpitis, or inflammation of the pulp inside your tooth, and it is irreversible. The general treatment for a hot tooth is a root canal, and many patients welcome a root canal at this point as the pain can be severe. While you may be nervous about getting a root canal, your other alternative is pulling the tooth completely. A root canal will preserve your tooth, while pulling it will require further dental work in the future if you want a full set of teeth.

Tooth Sensitivity Can be an Early Sign

While some people deal with chronic tooth sensitivity, if you notice a recent change when you drink hot or cold beverages, you could be experiencing the beginnings of a decaying tooth. A trip to the dentist can repair the decay, and you won't have to deal with an emergency dental procedure if you take care of the sensitive tooth before it becomes a huge problem. Left untreated, your sensitive tooth can become worse, the pain will become more severe, and you will probably need a root canal to restore the tooth.

When Your Tooth Becomes Infected

Once the integrity of your tooth has been compromised with a cavity or a crack, it is possible for bacteria to get inside your tooth and cause an infection. The infection can work its way into your jawbone if ignored long enough. When you feel pain in your mouth, and your tooth is sensitive to both hot and cold liquids, you need to get to the dentist to make sure you don't have an infection. If your dentist recommends a root canal, the pain relief at the end will be worth it.

What a Root Canal Does

If you are in enough pain before you go to the dentist, root canal therapy provides the relief you are looking for. Once your mouth is numb, your dentist will remove the inflamed pulp and nerve that is inside your tooth, filling your tooth with synthetic material. Your roots remain, and a new crown is created to give you a natural feeling tooth. The tooth itself can no longer feel hot or cold, and the pain from a hot tooth is relieved immediately.