How can I tell if a tooth is decayed all the way to the root?

I have a tooth that is really bothering me and I don't know if it is because it is decayed all the way to the root or not. When I have the pain it feels like I have a really bad sharp shooting pain.

How can I tell if a tooth is decayed all the way to the root?
get to a dentist right away, you just might have a small cavity that just needs to be filled.
Reply:Duh, go to a dentist.
Reply:Hon, it sounds like you probably need to go to the dentist nad get the tooth x-rayed. It may be able to be saved with a root canal or it may need to be pulled. You might have an infection and need antibiotics. Please don't let it go! I work in a hospital and we had a young lady as a patient that had a tooth that had become abcessed and the abcess traveled to her brain and almost killed her and created all kinds of problems. I definitely recommend a dentist visit.
Reply:I think you maybe confusing "root" and "nerve". The root is the part of the tooth that anchors it in the gum. If the decay has reached this far, it's most likely too late to save it. If it has hit the nerve, these are the questions we ask a patient to help determin the severity of a problem.





Is it sensitive to cold?


Generally if the answer is yes, then a routine filling will fix the problem in most cases.





Is it sensitive to hot?


If the answer is yes, then the decay has progressed into the nerve and will most likely need endodontic treatment (root canal)





Is it sensitive to pressure?


This will indicate an infection and need for a root canal.





If it is just sensitive to sweets, then it is an early cavity and should be filled before any of the other sensitivities occur.


Once the decay hits the root of the tooth (the part below the gum line, not the nerve) the tooth is almost always lost.
Reply:you probably need to go to the dentist. It my be something major.