Don’t put off getting a root canal.

Root canal treatment is an important procedure that can save a seriously decayed or damaged tooth. Putting off getting a root canal can lead to serious infection and tooth loss, so you want to reach out to your dentist as soon as any signs appear. Here’s what to look for to know when you may need a root canal.

Sign 1: Persistent Tooth Pain

Persistent tooth pain is one of the most common signs that a person may need root canal treatment. Toothaches can arise from a variety of causes, but no tooth pain should be ignored. Instead, you should reach out to your dentist for effective treatment sooner rather than later.

Brief tooth pain is still something you should discuss with your dentist, but it likely doesn’t indicate an emergency. However, if your tooth pain continues for several days, something serious may be wrong. A severe and sudden toothache is also an indicator that you may need a root canal treatment.

Serious toothaches often happen due to infection of the pulp tissue inside the tooth. At that point, a root canal treatment is the only option to save the tooth while maintaining your long-term oral health.

Sign 2: Sensitivity to Hot and Cold

Many people struggle with tooth sensitivity. Hot and cold foods are common sources of irritation, and you might even notice cold air leading to discomfort in your teeth. While minor sensitivity can arise for many reasons, severe sensitivity indicates that you’re dealing with a more serious issue.

Your tooth enamel protects the pulp and nerve tissue inside your teeth from the impact of hot and cold foods. Thin enamel can lead to some sensitivity, and you should ask your dentist for advice on how to handle that.

Severe sensitivity can arise from the interior of the tooth becoming exposed due to decay or damage. When this happens, the tissue inside is also exposed to bacteria that will lead to infection. A root canal treatment removes the interior tissue to prevent that from happening.

Sign 3: Swollen or Tender Gums

Your gums are an excellent indicator of your overall oral health. Gum issues can mean that your teeth are also at risk, so watching for signs such as gum swelling and tenderness will help identify when you need a root canal treatment.

The bacteria that lead to tooth infection are the same ones responsible for gum disease, so the two issues go hand-in-hand. High bacteria levels contribute to both gum disease and tooth decay, so gum disease symptoms may also be accompanied by compromised teeth.

If your tooth is already infected, many of the symptoms can affect surrounding gum tissue. The infection can spread to that gum tissue, leading to serious inflammation and swelling. As the condition progresses, you may even notice pus discharge from the affected area.

Sign 4: Darkening of the Tooth

A darkened tooth indicates serious internal damage or decay of the affected tooth. When pulp tissue inside a tooth dies, it leads to a visible darkening through the translucent enamel. This is an indicator that the infection has become severe and requires immediate treatment.

You’ll often see this alongside other symptoms, such as sensitivity or swelling. Reach out to your dentist as soon as possible to get root canal treatment for tooth pain relief and to safeguard your long-term oral health.

Ignoring the darkened tooth can cause the infection to spread to surrounding teeth. You’ll find yourself dealing with even more serious tooth pain and potentially tooth loss if you don’t get treatment as soon as possible.

Sign 5: Pimples on the Gums

You may notice what appears to be pimples forming on the gums. These are known as dental abscesses or fistulas and are caused by a buildup of pus from an infected tooth. As your body tries to fight the infection, it creates these points to allow for pus to drain. They’re a telltale sign of serious infection that requires urgent root canal treatment.

At first, these pimples may be painless. They can pop and drain intermittently, which provides some relief. However, the underlying issue behind them is still present. Even if they seem to be getting better, you should reach out to your dentist, as the situation will likely become worse.

Root Canal Treatment From Your Dentist in OKC

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, you should reach out to Lake Pointe Dental Group as soon as possible. We’ll evaluate your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan to address your needs, which may or may not require root canal treatment. Schedule your appointment today to get the care you need.