3 Signs You Need a Root Canal
Pain and other symptoms in your mouth can often be a mystery. However, when something is wrong or out of the ordinary, it can likely be a sign that you need dental care. If you are experiencing any of the following signs or symptoms, seek a consultation with one of our dental professionals, as you may need a root canal.
3 Signs You Need a Root Canal
Severe Toothache
If you are experiencing significant tooth pain, especially when chewing or biting, it’s likely time to see a dentist. Typically, if you need a root canal, the pain is felt deep within the tooth, can radiate to other areas of the face, and may come and go frequently for extended time periods.
Dark Tooth Discoloration
Your teeth may not be as pearly white as you would hope to begin with, but keep an eye out for a single tooth that appears to get darker. A single tooth with darker discoloration could be a sign that there is something serious going – not that you consume too much coffee or red wine. Consistent pain and grayish-black coloring on your tooth are often signs of dying dental pulp. If the pulp is dead or dying, it needs to be removed through a root canal before the problem worsens.
Pimple-Like Gum Sores
You should also watch for any sores on your gums that appear like little pimples. They are known as gum boils, parulises, or abscesses. Similar to the pimples on other parts of your body, these gum pimples may ooze. Along with them, you may also have an unpleasant taste in your mouth or even bad breath. These are all signs to call the dentist for an exam.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
Does a Root Canal Weaken My Tooth?
Since a root canal involves the removal of the inner section of a tooth, it weakens the tooth’s total structure. However, the tooth can be reinforced with dental restorations, such as an onlay or dental crown.
What Should I Expect After a Root Canal Treatment?
When the numbing wears off from the procedure, you won’t have the same significant pain that was present before the root canal. Since that tooth’s inner nerves have been removed, you will have relief from that pain.
Most patients who have undergone root canals express that the area around the affected tooth is sore for a few days while the surrounding tissues are healing. Eating only soft foods and using over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen during the recovery time can help with these temporary discomforts.
Root Canals at Florida Dental Implant Center
At Florida Dental Implant Center, we are here for you. Whether it’s a routine dental cleaning or a painful and infected tooth. We promise to talk to you about the best treatment options considering your overall health, dental health, treatment goals, and expense—ultimately letting you choose the option you think is best. Sometimes, that option is a root canal.Are you experiencing signs you need a root canal? Schedule an appointment with one of our experienced dentists today by completing an online appointment request or by phone at 941-484-3885.