Up to 15% of people in the United States avoid seeking critical dental treatments, such as root canal therapy, every year due to myths about it. Root canal treatment is a significantly better option than extracting teeth but is still feared by many patients.
It’s also much safer since 97% of root canal procedures are successful.
But how do you know that you need a root canal? You don’t want to waste time going to the dentist's office, just to find out that it was a false alarm. Luckily for you, there are some clear signs that a root canal is an answer to your pain.
In today’s Dodds Dental post, we’re going to tell you all about these symptoms. Starting with:
1. Going Through Extreme Pain
If you are experiencing sudden, searing pain in your mouth without warning, it might be a sign that the tooth has an infection or is dead and requires immediate attention. Just ask yourself this: Are there things that make the pain worse? Do you feel additional pain when you try to lie down? Do you feel it when bending over? These could indicate a clear root canal problem.
2. Feeling Bumps on Your Gums
As soon as a change occurs inside your mouth, you’ll notice it with your tongue. You’ll probably go over the spot, over and over again. If you notice multiple small lumps on your gums, this can be a sign that you need a root canal to treat an infected tooth. These bumps that look similar to pimples called dental fistula can indicate an infection, so it’s best to have them checked.
3. Racing to Both Cold and Heat
Some people are sensitive to hot and cold food and beverages even if they don’t need a root canal procedure. After all, it’s normal to feel sensitive after a dental procedure. But if the pain from food and drink lingers long after your treatment, it may be a sign of a root canal problem. Any pain that lasts longer than a week, requires attention and professional care.
4. Having Swollen Gums
You undergo a routine procedure. Your gums feel swollen. A few days pass, and the swelling isn’t going down. This can be due to an infection. Of course, gums can become swollen if you brush and floss your teeth too aggressively. If swollen gums are tender and sensitive to the touch even after a light brush, this is a clear call for action.
5. Noticing That Your Gums Are Darker
If your gums have become noticeably darker in the last couple of days, an infection might be responsible. A gum infection, even a light one, can become worse when not treated, and lead to tooth decay. If your gums are dark and your teeth become painful, this is a good indication that you may need root canal surgery.
6. Chipped or Cracked Teeth
Chipping a tooth can be painful. A tooth that has absorbed trauma may need a root canal because the pulp may be exposed. The tooth could be infected or decayed enough so that the emerald is cracked, in which case the procedure would try to save what remains of the tooth.
Get Your Root Canal Treatment at Dodds Dental
People fear root canal treatment because they assume it’s painful. However, the tension and anxiety experienced in the days leading up to the procedure are much more stressful than anything that could happen at the dentist’s office.
At Dodds Dental, our experts, Dr. Emily and Dr. Dustin will make you feel comfortable, provide treatment tailored to meet your needs, and finish your procedure quickly. If you feel like you need a root canal in Long Beach, don’t wait.
Request an appointment with our dental specialists online or get in touch with us at (562) 439-0754.
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