4 Warning Signs You Need a Root Canal

If you have cavities, you may not develop any symptoms until the damage to your tooth has progressed. When tooth decay is advanced, you might need a root canal to save your tooth, prevent the spread of infection, and protect against other oral health complications.

At Allure Dental of Hollywood, our experienced dental team performs root canal therapy to alleviate your symptoms and prevent the need for extraction. The only way to know if you need a root canal is to schedule a dental exam with our professionals any time you develop unusual symptoms.

What to know about a root canal

A root canal is a minimally invasive dental procedure we perform to save a decayed or deeply infected tooth. During a root canal, our dental team removes the pulp from inside your tooth.

Your tooth’s inner pulp is a soft tissue that lies beneath its enamel and dentin layers. Within the tissue are blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves that support the development of your tooth. Adult teeth can function without the pulp because surrounding tissues continue to nourish them.

The goal of a root canal treatment is to remove the pulp and eliminate any decay from inside your tooth. We fill the cavity with replacement dental material and seal it to keep bacteria out. The material also stops the progression of tooth decay.

Signs you might need a root canal

Some cavities and dental damage can be repaired with fillings and other dental procedures. You might need a root canal if damage to your tooth is more serious. Here are four common warning signs that you might be a candidate for a root canal:

1.Tooth pain

Tooth pain can develop if you have decay deep within your tooth. If tooth decay remains untreated, a cavity can spread down into the root of your tooth and trigger persistent pain.

2. Increased temperature sensitivity

You may benefit from a root canal if you notice increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. Decay or infection can trigger a dull ache or sharp pain when you expose your tooth to hot or cold beverages and food.

If this sensitivity makes it difficult to chew on the affected side, you may find yourself favoring the other side of your mouth to avoid discomfort and pain.

3. Gum swelling

Swelling in your gums can be a warning sign of an underlying infection in your gum tissue called periodontal (gum) disease. Without treatment, an infection can spread to other areas of your body and cause more urgent health issues.

4. Fractured tooth

If you bite down on something hard and crack your tooth, it can expose your tooth’s nerves to the air and cause pain and increased sensitivity. A fractured tooth can also increase your risk for a painful infection.

Stay proactive about your oral health

If you have any warning signs that you might need a root canal, call Allure Dental of Hollywood right away to schedule a complete oral health exam. We can assess your needs and recommend a root canal or other dental procedure to save your tooth.

Our dental team also recommends that you keep up with twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings. These exams help us detect underlying problems like cavities or inflammation early, so you might be able to avoid a root canal later on.

To learn more, call Allure Dental of Hollywood in Hollywood, Florida, today, or click online to schedule a consultation any time.