The most common form of a root canal test is a dental x-ray. Dentists use different types of dental x-rays for a root canal test, but the most important way a dentist checks to see if a root canal is needed is through the dental exam.
The dentist may perform an x-ray on the tooth to view the tooth decay. However, not all incidents of tooth decay require a root canal. Cavities caused by tooth decay can often be treated with a small amount of drilling and the application of a filling.
Dentist may first suspect that a person needs a root canal if the patient is complaining of toothache pain that is worse when biting or chewing. The patients may mention other symptoms of tooth decay that they are experiencing.
When the dentist examines the tooth, the tooth with substantial decay may be discolored. Decayed teeth can have pale yellow or brown spot in the area of the cavity. Severe decay can cause the whole tooth to turn brown or black.
The person with a black tooth may wonder why they should save a tooth that is unsightly. However, the person can get a crown which will look like an undamaged tooth after the root canal.
Infection of the tooth pulp can cause the nerve in the tooth to die. The dentist may hold an ice cube against the tooth to see if the person has feeling in the tooth.
If the tooth decay is severe, the person may have a fever and swollen jaw. The lymph nodes of the neck behind the jaw may be swollen. This is often referred to as having “swollen glands.” The patient may report a decrease in toothache pain which can mean the nerve in the tooth is dead.
The signs of severe tooth decay can indicate that the tooth has become infected. In most cases, a root canal is necessary if the tooth is infected. When the tooth pulp is infected, it is called pulpitis.
When a person develops an infection in the tooth pulp, the pulp breaks down and allows bacteria to grow and spread. If the infection spreads past the tooth roots, the tooth becomes abscessed.
The infection at the tooth root can cause damage to the jawbone and surrounding area. Severe infection lets the dentist know a root canal is necessary, but It can be more difficult to decide if the person needs a root canal if the decay is bad but not definitely affecting the tooth pulp.
People should discuss their treatment options with the dentist. If a root canal is needed in order the save the tooth, the other alternative is to have the tooth pulled and replaced with a dental bridge, dental implant, or partial denture.