Find Out If You Need a Root Canal with this Quiz!

Are you in pain when you chew food? Does your tooth throb after eating something sweet? These could be signs of a dental problem, and you may need to look into getting a root canal.

But how do you know for sure? Take this fun quiz to find out if you should book an appointment with your dentist right away! 

What Causes a Root Canal? 

Root canals are usually necessary when the inner pulp of your tooth becomes infected or inflamed. This can happen due to deep decay, large fillings, cracks or chips in the tooth, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, or an injury that affects the nerve. To determine whether a root canal is needed, your dentist will take an X-ray of the affected area and look for signs of infection such as swelling and dark spots.

Question 1: How does your tooth feel when you touch it?

A) It’s extremely sensitive and painful.

B) It’s slightly painful but bearable.

C) It doesn’t hurt at all.

D) I’m not sure.

If you answered A or B, then the chances are good that there is an issue with your tooth that requires further investigation from a specialist. Your dentist can take an X-ray and recommend the best course of action for treating the area in question.

Question 2: Is the affected area discolored?

A) Yes, it’s darker than my other teeth.

B) No, it looks normal.

C) I’m not sure.

If you answered A, then this is another sign that something is wrong in that part of your mouth and should be investigated by a dental professional as soon as possible. Discoloration generally means that there is an infection present which may require a root canal procedure in order to properly treat it.

Question 3: Do you experience sharp pain when eating hot or cold food?

A) Yes, almost every time I eat something hot or cold I get intense pain in my teeth.

B) Not really; I only get mild discomfort occasionally when eating very hot or cold foods.

C) No, I don’t experience any pain when eating hot or cold foods.

D) I’m not sure.

If you answered A or B, then this could also be an indication that there is something wrong with your tooth and should be checked out by a dentist as soon as possible to determine whether or not a root canal is necessary for treatment purposes.

Question 4: Do you have swelling in your mouth?

A) Yes, my gums and other soft tissues around the tooth are swollen.

B) No, there is no swelling or inflammation.

C) I’m not sure.

Swollen gums and other soft tissues in the mouth could be a sign of a dental issue and should be further investigated by your dentist. Swelling is usually caused by an infection in the area which often requires a root canal procedure to properly treat it.

If you answered (A)yes to any of these questions, then it’s time to see your dentist as soon as possible. A root canal may be necessary in order to prevent further damage to your tooth and restore it to good health. Don’t wait too long, as the longer you wait, the more extensive the treatment might be.

Question 5: Do You Have Discharge From Your Teeth?

A) Yes, I have a yellow/green discharge when I brush my teeth.

B) No, I don’t have any discharge from my teeth.

C) Sometimes, it depends on what I eat.

D) I’m not sure.

If you answered A, then this is an indication that you may have a dental infection, and your dentist will need to investigate further.

Discharge from your teeth can be a sign of a serious problem such as an abscess or even an infected root canal. If left untreated, it could result in more significant damage to your tooth and possibly even require extensive dental work.

Make sure to see your dentist as soon as possible if you are experiencing discharge from your teeth, so they can determine the best course of action for treatment.

When Should You Get a Root Canal? 

If your dentist determines that you do need a root canal, they will recommend the procedure as soon as possible to avoid further damage or infection.

However, some patients choose to delay getting a root canal due to fear or anxiety about the procedure itself.

While it may seem daunting at first, remember that modern dentistry has made many advances in recent years meaning most people report little to no pain during their treatment! In fact, having a root canal can help alleviate discomfort from an infected tooth in just one visit!

Are There Alternatives to Having a Root Canal? 

In some cases, it’s possible to treat an infected tooth without having to get a root canal. Depending on the severity of your infection and other factors like age and overall health condition, your dentist may recommend antibiotics or even non-invasive treatments like sealants and fillings instead of getting a root canal. Your dentist will also be able to advise you on which option is best suited for your needs.

Conclusion

While these questions may help give some insight into whether or not you need a root canal, keep in mind that only an experienced dental professional can accurately diagnose any issues with your mouth and recommend the best course of action for treatment purposes based on their findings during an examination appointment at their office!

So if you’re experiencing any type of discomfort around one of your teeth, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist right away so they can properly assess the situation and advise on how to proceed moving forward!