A root canal is a treatment many patients feel nervous about, but it can often save a natural tooth. So how can you tell when you might need this treatment? Our Harvard, MA dentist highlights five warning signs that may mean you need to consider a root canal.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a standard dental procedure used to treat damage or infection deep inside a tooth. Inside each tooth is a soft tissue known as the pulp, which contains numerous blood vessels and nerves.
When your tooth is so badly damaged that the bacteria reach the inner pulp, the resulting pain and inflammation can be challenging to handle. In cases like these, a root canal may be recommended by our Harvard dentist to clean out the tooth and prevent the infection from spreading.
Signs You Should Visit Our Harvard Office for a Root Canal
Persistent tooth pain
Constant pain in a tooth that won’t go away is a clear warning sign. It may persist even when you’re not biting or chewing anything.
If the pain spreads to your jaw or ear or gets worse when you lie down, it could mean that the tooth pulp is infected.
Lingering sensitivity to hot and cold
Do you feel a stinging sensation in a tooth when you sip your favorite hot coffee or have a bite of ice cream? It might happen because the nerves inside your tooth are damaged.
Usually, when the damage reaches your pulp, the sensitivity and pain that occur afterward last longer.
Your tooth feels tender
Normally, when you bite down, there shouldn’t be any pain. But when a tooth is inflamed, it may feel tender when biting down. This is one of the signs our Harvard dentist checks for to determine whether a root canal is necessary.
Swollen gums
Gum swelling around a specific tooth or a small bump or pimple on the gums often indicates that there may be an underlying issue affecting the tooth root or surrounding tissue.
Sometimes, you may even see pus oozing from the area close to the tooth. All these are signs of an infection that may need a root canal.
Darkening or discoloration
Tooth staining because of pigmented foods or drinks is common. But when a tooth turns grey or dark from the inside, it should be checked. It could mean that the inner pulp is dying.
When this type of discoloration happens along with pain, you should seek care as early as you can.
Ending Note
By paying attention to warning signs like sharp pain in a tooth or lingering sensitivity, you can get treatment before things get out of control. If you feel like you have a tooth infection, consult our dental expert at White Arch Dental today. Call us at (978) 772-6658 to book your appointment with us!
