Signs That You May Need Root Canal Treatment

Root canal therapy, one of the many dental treatments and services offered by your Rockville, MD, dentist, Dr. Alice Lau, can help you avoid tooth loss. If you need a root canal, you may notice a few of these signs and symptoms.

Your tooth hurts

During root canal therapy, your dentist removes your tooth pulp, cleans and shapes the interior of your tooth, and replaces the pulp with a rubber-based filling material. Root canals are needed if you develop an infection or inflammation in your pulp, the mass of soft tissue, nerves and blood vessels in the center of your tooth. If you don't have a root canal, you will eventually lose your tooth.

As a result of the infection or inflammation, your tooth may begin to hurt. Pain doesn't need to be severe to indicate a problem. Unfortunately, mild or intermittent pain will eventually become more severe and regular if you don't receive treatment.

Eating is uncomfortable

Irritated or dying nerves in your tooth pulp can trigger sensitivity during meals. Pain can linger as long as 30 minutes after you eat or drink anything hot, cold or sugary. You may also experience bursts of pain when you chew or press on your tooth.

Your gum is inflamed

Does your gum look or feel a little different lately? A red, swollen, sore gum may a sign that you need a root canal.

Your tooth has darkened

Changes inside your pulp may affect the shade of your tooth. If you notice that one tooth looks darker than the others, let your dentist know.

Pain isn't your only problem

It may not be a coincidence that you feel sick at the same time your tooth pain increases. Your symptoms may be caused by a dental abscess. The bacterial infection can cause fever, swollen lymph nodes and facial swelling, in addition to severe pain.

You may also see a small bump on your gum or notice pus around your tooth if you have an abscess. Abscesses are dental emergencies and warrant a call to the Rockville dental office. If you don't receive immediate treatment, the infection may spread throughout your body.

Root canal treatment helps you avoid tooth loss. Call your Rockville, MD, dentist, Dr. Lau, at (301) 921-8899 to schedule an appointment.