If you mention to anyone that you need a root canal, you are likely to get instant sympathy. While a root canal is performed under local anesthesia – and often Monrovia patients opt for sedation dentistry, too – it is a more intense, but painless dental procedure. A root canal is performed to repair a badly decayed tooth and/or save an infected tooth from extraction. During a root canal, the tooth’s nerve and root pulp – which exists inside the root canal – are removed. The inside of your tooth is also cleaned and sealed. The result is a tooth that is no longer painful or sensitive, and a tooth that gets to remain in your mouth rather than being extracted. But, how do you know if you need a root canal or just a basic filling? Read on as we discuss 5 signs you need a root canal.
Signs You Need a Root Canal
If you’ve been experiencing any of the following symptoms, it means it’s time for you to contact Monrovia dentist Dr. Q for an oral evaluation to determine if you need a root canal.
1) You Have a Severe Toothache.
We all have experienced a toothache from time to time. But if you have a persistent, severe toothache, one that is aggravated by chewing or applying pressure to your tooth, it might be a sign of a bigger problem. A severe toothache that doesn’t seem to ever go away might mean that you need a root canal.
2) You Have Prolonged Sensitivity to Hot and/or Cold Temperatures.
Sometimes if you have a cavity, you’ll have a tooth that is sensitive to hot and/or cold temperatures, such as eating ice cream or drinking hot coffee. But if your tooth remains sensitive to hot and/or cold temperatures for a prolonged period of time, you should visit your Monrovia dentist Dr. Q to see if you need a root canal.
3) Your Tooth is Discolored.
Teeth naturally discolor over time and because of eating, drinking and smoking habits. That is why teeth whitening is such a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure in Monrovia. However, if you have a tooth that is discoloring at a faster rate than your other teeth, it might indicate that there is a problem with the pulp of that tooth. The pulp is the innermost layer of the tooth, which contains the nerves and blood vessels. If your tooth is discolored because of problems in the tooth’s pulp, you likely need a root canal.
4) You Have Excessive Swelling and Tenderness in the Gums.
If you have excessive swelling and tenderness in your gums, you should contact your Monrovia dentist immediately. Swelling is often a sign of a bacterial infection, and may require antibiotics to kill the infection and stop it from spreading to other areas of your body. A root canal is often indicated when there is excessive swelling around a tooth.
5) You Have a Persistent or Recurring Pimple on the Gums.
Believe it or not, it is possible for you to get pimples on your gums. While the pimples may not be painful, they are almost always signs of an infected tooth. If you see a pimple above or below your tooth, contact Monrovia dentist Dr. Q right away.
I Think I Need a Root Canal
If you’re exhibiting any of the 5 root canal symptoms listed above, it’s time to call Dr. Q for an oral examination. While Dr. Q is a general dentist and does not perform root canals herself, she has an endodontist – root canal specialist – on staff. Call to schedule your consultation in our Monrovia office today at (626) 599-9818.
