5 Common Signs You Need a Root Canal

Need a root canal? Millions of teeth are saved each year with root canal therapy. Root canal therapy is a procedure used to repair a tooth that is infected or badly decayed. Root canal treatment can save your tooth from having to be extracted. Here are 5 common signs that you need a root canal .

1. You have tooth pain. A severe toothache when chewing is a sign that you may need a root canal. Toothache is pain around or in a tooth. Its level may range from slight to extreme. Left untreated, your pain will become worse over time.

2. You have a bump on your gums. A persistent pimple-like bump on the gums is a sign that root canal treatment might be needed. The bump on your gums may disappear and then come back. The bump is filled with pus caused by bacteria inside the infected tooth. Pus is a natural result of the body fighting an infection.

3. Your gums are swollen. Gum swelling near the tooth is a sign that you may need root canal treatment. If your gums become inflamed, they may protrude. The inflammation can range from being mild to pronounced. In rare cases, the swelling may extend into your face or neck.

4. Hot and cold bother you. Another common sign that you might need root canal therapy is tooth sensitivity to heat or cold. You may experience pain when the area is exposed to extreme temperatures through beverages, foods, or the air. What starts as a mild ache can progress into a sharp, intense pain.

5. You have a darkened tooth. One discolored tooth may be a sign that root canal treatment is needed. A discolored tooth can be the result of bad oral hygiene, exposure to beverages that stain enamel, or nerve damage. When nerve damage occurs, your dentist will perform a root canal South Loop to remove the damaged root.