Signs That a Root Canal Is Needed
Each year, over 60 million Americans visit the dentist. Many of these visits can be attributed to cavities, which are small holes in your teeth that allow bacteria to get inside. But sometimes other dental issues arise that require additional treatment. If you experience severe tooth pain, bleeding, or swelling (other than after eating), these are just a few signs that a root canal is needed. Root canals are considered the best option for saving a damaged tooth when an abscess is present. Here are some signs you might need a root canal.
At Habersham Dental, we offer root canal treatment at all of our offices. See our Locations pages for address, contact, and office information of each location.
Persistent Pain
Having persistent pain is one sign that you may need a root canal. The pain might be constant, or it might go away, but it always comes back. You may feel the pain deep in the bone of your tooth, or it might be in your jaw, face, or other teeth.
Tooth pain may have other causes, such as gum disease, cavities, or an impacted wisdom tooth, but it’s always a good idea to talk with your dentist if you have tooth pain.
Tooth Discoloration
An infection in the pulp of your tooth can cause your tooth to become discolored. Trauma to the tooth or the breakdown of the internal tissue can damage the roots and give the tooth a grayish-black appearance. While there might be other reasons a tooth is discolored, it could be a cause for a root canal, so talk with your dentist!
Temperature Sensitivity
When your teeth start to hurt from drinking a hot cup of coffee or drinking ice water, you may need a root canal.
The pain can be just a dull feeling, or it can be a sharp pain that lingers for an extended period of time, even after you’ve finished eating or drinking. If your tooth hurts when you eat or drink something hot or cold, it may be an indication that the blood vessels and nerves in your tooth are infected or damaged.
Swollen Gums
Swollen gums near the painful tooth can be a sign of an issue that requires a root canal. The swelling may come and go. It may be tender when you touch it, or it may not be painful.
There might also be a pimple-like abscess on your gum, which may ooze pus from the infected tooth. This can give you an unpleasant taste in your mouth and make your breath smell bad.
A Chipped or Cracked Tooth
If you’ve chipped or cracked your tooth in an accident, in a contact sport, or by chewing on something hard, bacteria can set in, leading to inflammation and infection. Even if your tooth didn’t crack, but you did injure it, the injury can still cause damage to the nerves of the tooth. The nerve can become inflamed, causing pain and sensitivity, which may require root canal treatment.
Root Canal Treatment at Habersham Dental
These are just a few signs that you may need a root canal. If you have any of these symptoms or are experiencing a dental emergency, it’s a good idea to talk with your dentist. The Habersham Dental team can help answer any questions you may have. Contact any of our five locations if you have any questions today.