6 signs you may need root canal therapy

If you're wincing in tooth pain as you read this, you're not alone. More than 15 million root canals are performed every year, and many times our patients come in not totally sure if they need a root canal in the first place. If you're wondering, "Is it just a toothache, or something more?", this is the blog post for you.

Here are a few sure signs that your tooth pain is more than a tooth ache and might need root canal therapy:

1. Persistent and severe toothache

A toothache that steadily becomes severe and lingers is a major red flag. The longest you should endure it without consulting a dental professional is twice your typical tooth discomfort period. For example, if you've had a toothache and it previously lasted a day or two, you should use twice that timeframe as a reference for if you should come see us at West Fort Worth Endodontics.

The truth of the matter is, if you're ever feeling severe tooth pain, you should consider seeing a board-certified endodontist right away, especially if it's disrupting your daily activities or severe enough to mess up your sleep routine.

2. Sensitivity to hot or cold

If sipping on a hot beverage or a cool glass of water is causing unexpected zings of pain in a particular tooth, this could be a sign of nerve damage or infection. A heightened sensitivity to temperature, especially when it lingers, is a sign that the nerves inside your tooth are not insulated properly, either due to decay or trauma.

So, next time you're drinking something cold or enjoying a warm meal and you notice extreme sensitivity to the temperature, it's likely time to make an appointment with our office.

3. Swollen or tender gums

Swelling around a tooth can be a sign that there's a problem with the nerve below. Occasionally, the swelling can be subtle, appearing as a pimple-like bump on your gums. Don't mistake this for a canker sore. It could be a dental abscess, which is an infection at the root of a tooth. These need to be treated as soon as possible, as they are not only painful but can also lead to serious health complications if the infection spreads.

4. Discoloration of the tooth

If you notice your tooth changing color – particularly darkening – it suggests that the nerves and blood vessels in the tooth are damaged or dead. This discoloration may be the result of the decayed pulp tissue breaking down and being absorbed by the tooth, a process that is only curtailed by a root canal treatment.

At West Fort Worth Endodontics, our team are experts at identifying root canal damage or decay using the latest in endodontic technology.

5. Pimple on the gum

An abscess in the tooth can show up on your gums as a pimple, and it's often painful to the touch. This kind of infection is the result of pus accumulating and needing to exit somewhere, hence the bump. It's not something that you can afford to pass off as a minor issue and should be looked at by an endodontist immediately as it's a common sign that you may need root canal therapy.

6. Pain when chewing or touching the tooth

Pain when chewing along with sensitivity to hot and/or cold are the two most commons first signs our patients experience when they need a root canal. Your teeth are remarkably strong and resilient to normal chewing and biting forces. However, if the act of chewing itself causes sharp or severe pain in a tooth, then the issue likely extends to the center of the tooth where the nerves are housed. When this pain is combined with the tooth being sensitive to touch, such as when you brush or press against it, it's another indication that root canal therapy might be needed.

At West Fort Worth Endodontics, we're experts at diagnosing and treating tooth pain.

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s time to stop enduring the pain and start seeking a solution. A root canal procedure, also known as root canal therapy, can alleviate the pain and potentially save your natural tooth, which is always the best outcome for your oral health.

Recognizing these symptoms early can make a significant difference in your treatment options and outcomes. If you're experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it's best not to delay. Contact us at WFW Endodontics for advice, diagnosis and an overview of what to expect before and after your root canal therapy. Professional dental care not only relieves you from excruciating pain but also sets you on the path to recovery and long-term oral health, and our passion is getting our patients back to feeling 100%!