Are you struggling with persistent toothaches, increased sensitivity to hot and cold food, or gum inflammation? If so, this might be a good time to schedule an appointment with the dentist — these red flags frequently foreshadow the need for root canal therapy. At Bloom Dental of Arlington, we provide treatment for all kinds of tooth issues. From dental veneers for our patients in Arlington to endodontic therapy and everything in between, we can help you restore confidence in your smile and provide relief from pain. Are you unsure if your tooth troubles warrant a root canal? To help, we compiled this list of 5 common signs that you might need a root canal.
1. Persistent Pain
Just because you are dealing with a nagging toothache, that doesn’t mean a root canal is inevitable. There are many potential causes of tooth pain, and there are many different types of tooth pain. The types of pain associated with root canal infection include pulsing aches, pain that fluctuates as you change your posture, intermittent pain, and pain so intense that you can’t sleep through the night. At Bloom Dental of Arlington, we deal with toothaches all the time, but root canal infections can require more aggressive treatment.
2. Increased Sensitivity
Do you notice a sharp, deep pain when you eat or drink something that’s hot or cold? It is not unusual for your teeth to be sensitive to extreme temperatures, but you shouldn’t feel any extraordinary pain, and it should subside rather quickly. If you have lingering pain more than 10 sec, you need to check with your dentist, you might have defective restoration, caries, or need to root canal therapy. You should contact a dentist and address the problem before it gets worse.
3. Gum Inflammation
It’s important to note that inflamed gums are not strictly associated with root canal infections. Gum inflammation is more commonly associated with periodontal disease (AKA gingivitis) than root canal infections. However, if you are experiencing swollen, painful gums in conjunction with one or more of the other symptoms on this list, that could mean that you are, in fact, dealing with a root canal infection. If you notice a small pimple-like bump on the gums near the affected tooth, this is another sign that it might be a good idea to make an appointment with the dentist.
4. Discoloration
Ever heard of a “dead tooth?” That’s what happens when the pulp and nerves inside of a tooth get infected due to an injury, poor dental hygiene, or perhaps something else. When a tooth dies, it loses its natural color and begins to take on a different shade than the rest of your teeth. Teeth that are dead or dying can start to become brown, gray, or black once the soft tissue inside has completely decayed and blood no longer flows to the tooth. It is crucial to seek treatment for dead or dying teeth as soon as possible, as the infection can easily spread to other teeth or worse — your brain.
5. Headaches, Jaw Pain, or Ear Pain
When a tooth infection begins to spread beyond its initial host-tooth, so does the pain that it brings. For example, an infected molar can easily spread to the jaw and ear area on that side of your head, if you fail to address the problem as early as possible. As mentioned before, the infection can even spread to your brain, which is the worst-case scenario. To prevent a tooth infection from spreading to other parts of your head, schedule a visit with your dentist to address any issues you’ve been experiencing.
So, are you dealing with any of these symptoms? Need a root canal procedure near Arlington, VA? Contact Bloom Dental of Arlington to consult with a dentist and see if root canal therapy is right for you.