Seven Signs You May Need a Root Canal

A toothache that keeps coming back is hard to ignore. It might flare up with hot or cold drinks, or wake you up at night with a dull, steady throb. This kind of tooth pain often signals inflammation or infection inside the tooth, and a root canal may be the best way to save it. Knowing the warning signs can help you get care sooner. 

At Price-Denton Endodontics in Decatur, AL, our team specializes in diagnosing and treating problems inside the tooth. Call today to learn more and schedule an evaluation. 

Why a tooth may need a root canal 

Every tooth has a soft core of nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria reach that core, it can become inflamed or infected, and the tissue can't heal on its own. Untreated cavities, cracks, and injuries to the mouth are some of the most common causes. 

Some infected teeth don't hurt, and you may only find the problem during a routine dental exam when dental imaging shows a dark spot near the tip of a root. Treating the infection early with a root canal helps you keep your natural tooth, which supports your bite and overall oral health. 

Seven warning signs of an infected tooth 

Root canal problems can show up in several ways, and some are easier to miss than others. Here are seven signs that a tooth may need a closer look:  

• Lingering tooth pain: An ache that lasts for days, comes and goes, or gets worse when you lie down is one of the most common signs. 
• Pain when you bite: Discomfort when chewing or pressing on a tooth can mean the tissue around the root is irritated. 
• Sensitivity that doesn't fade: Brief sensitivity is normal, but discomfort that lingers for several seconds or minutes after hot or cold foods and drinks is not. 
• Swollen gums: Puffy, tender gums near one tooth, or a small bump that looks like a pimple, can point to an abscess. 
• A darkened tooth: A tooth that turns gray or darker than the teeth around it may have a damaged nerve. 
• A chipped or cracked tooth: Breaks can open a path for bacteria to reach the inside of the tooth. 
• Pain that suddenly stops: When severe pain fades on its own, it may mean the nerve has died while the infection remains. Dental imaging can show what's happening below the surface. 

If any of these sound familiar, schedule a dental exam with Price-Denton Endodontics in Decatur, AL, sooner rather than later. 

What to expect during root canal treatment 

Your visit begins with a close look at the tooth and dental imaging to confirm the source of the problem. Once the area is numb, our team makes a small opening in the top of the tooth and removes the infected tissue. We clean, shape, and fill the inner canals with a rubber-like material, then seal them with a temporary filling. 

Most treatments take one or two visits. You may feel some tenderness for a few days, and swollen gums from the infection usually calm down soon after. A crown is typically placed to strengthen the tooth. Patients often notice a big improvement once the infection clears and their oral wellness is back on track. 

Schedule a root canal evaluation 

Waiting usually makes an infected tooth harder to treat. If you've noticed tooth pain, swollen gums, or any of the other signs above, a quick visit can give you answers. At Price-Denton Endodontics, our team will explain what we find and recommend a plan to keep your smile healthy and support your oral wellness in Decatur, AL. Call today to book your dental exam.