Five Signs That You Need a Root Canal

Root canals are used to save teeth that have become badly infected or decayed. It can be challenging to know whether you need root canal therapy or another treatment, especially if you experience tooth and gum pain or sensitivity to temperature. Physical symptoms usually do not start until the issue has become advanced, which is why we recommend seeing your dentist right away.

So when do you need a root canal? When you meet with the experienced team at MINT dentistry, we provide comprehensive care for a variety of complex conditions. Our dentists in Dallas and Houston, TX, can treat the infected tooth and prevent decay from spreading to other areas. Contact our staff for your next dental consultation and read about the most common signs that you need a root canal below.

1. Tooth and gum pain

So when do you need a root canal? Pain is one of the most well-known indicators that something is wrong with your tooth. Although tooth and gum pain does not necessarily mean you require a root canal, most infected teeth do cause some form of discomfort. Your pain may get more intense when applying pressure to the area, chewing, or brushing your teeth.

2. Swelling and inflammation

In addition to pain, root canal patients may also experience dental swelling and inflammation. You may feel a slightly raised or tender spot along the gumline or swelling in your entire face and neck. While swelling could go away on its own or resolve with over-the-counter medications, this does not solve the central problem. Visit your local dentist to determine the source of the problem.

3. Sensitivity to temperature

Dental hypersensitivity could have many causes. Even though it is normal to have some sensitivity to temperature, like when eating an ice cream cone, severe sensitivity is a clear sign that something is wrong. Your dentist in Dallas or Houston, TX, can determine where the pain is coming from and if you need root canal therapy.

4. Discoloration

Discoloration could be the result of a simple tooth stain that has developed over time. However, discoloration is also a sign of tooth decay. If a single tooth begins to darken or a concerning dark spot suddenly appears on one of your teeth, contact MINT dentistry for a root canal examination.

5. Dental abscess

Patients with a badly infected tooth may get a tooth abscess or a pocket of pus caused by an infection. Abscesses cause swollen gums, discomfort, or an unpleasant taste in your mouth. It is very important to seek dental help right away because an untreated abscess can make it difficult to breathe or swallow.

When do you need a root canal?

When combined together, these signs and symptoms may point to a serious infection or decay. Allow the professionals at MINT dentistry to treat the area as early as possible instead of waiting for the problem to become worse. We are aware that some patients are nervous or afraid of root canal therapy, which is why we go out of our way to make you feel comfortable. We use state-of-the-art technology and techniques to complete treatment with precision and accuracy.

Learn more about root canal therapy

Thanks to new advances in dental technology, root canal therapy can be a fast, easy way to treat an infected tooth. Your root canal treatment at MINT dentistry can save you from tooth and gum pain, sensitivity, and more. If you live in Dallas or Houston, TX, and want to learn about the process, simply reach out for a dental consultation today.