Warning Signs: Top Five Common Signs You Need a Root Canal

Do you need a root canal in Greenville, South Carolina? Root canal treatment (endodontic therapy) is a restorative procedure used to save infected teeth. If left untreated, an infected tooth can result in nasty complications, including an abscessed tooth. A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that collects around the infected tooth. An abscessed tooth causes untold pain and may lead to tooth extraction. Worse yet, the pus can drain internally, infecting other body parts like the heart!

As nervous as you are to get a root canal, this procedure saves your tooth and is life-saving. But how can you tell you need a root canal? With extensive experience in root canal treatment (RCT), Crowns Now Family Dentistry sheds light on the tell-tale signs that prompt a visit to a root canal dentist.

#1 Persistent tooth pain

Do you have a toothache that doesn’t respond to home remedies? That’s a tell-tale sign you need root canal therapy. Your toothache may start as a dull ache and progress into a sharp, intense pain, especially when chewing or biting. Tooth pain indicates something is wrong, so schedule an appointment with a root canal dentist immediately for a proper evaluation and treatment. 

#2 Sensitivity to hot and cold foods

When the pulp chamber is inflamed, your tooth will become sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks. The inflammation irritates the nerve fibers in the pulp, making the tooth more sensitive to temperature changes. Sometimes, the sensitivity may linger even after the stimulus is removed. 

#3 Tooth discoloration

Several reasons can cause your tooth to lose its natural whiteness. One of the reasons your tooth may appear discolored is when the pulp chamber is infected. When this happens, the blood supply to the tooth is cut off, causing the pulp chamber to die (pulp necrosis). An infected tooth loses its natural whiteness and starts becoming dark or gray. 

#4 Swollen gums

When you have a tooth infection, your natural body’s immunity kicks in to eliminate the infection. This immune response causes inflammation, which manifests as swollen gums around the tooth. 

Additionally, your body increases blood supply to the infected area to deliver antibodies, white blood cells, and other defense agents. Increased blood supply dilates your blood vessels, making your gums appear swollen.

#5 A recurrent pimple-like swelling on your gums

Do you notice a gum boil resembling a pimple or bump on your gums? This pimple is a sign of a dental abscess, a pocket of pus caused by harmful bacteria. A tooth abscess is a serious medical condition that should be treated immediately. Left untreated, a dental abscess can cause severe, even life-threatening complications. 

Don’t panic! Visit a root canal dentist today!

If you suspect a root canal, don’t wait any longer. The earlier we treat your tooth, the higher the chances of a successful outcome. Call (864) 655-7788 to schedule an appointment today with any of our convenient offices in Greenville, Greer, Irmo, or Woodruff, SC. Dr. Matthew Dickson and the team can’t wait to get your teeth healthy again. 

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