5 Tell-tale Signs That a Root Canal is Needed

For some people, the mere thought of a root canal can invoke anxiety or fear. That’s often due to misconceptions about this treatment. Dr. Mark Wright DDS in Colorado Springs, Colorado uses root canal therapy for dental abscess treatment or to eliminate severe infection inside your tooth. 

Pain is usually one of the first signs of an infected or abscessed tooth, but you may also notice other symptoms. We can accurately diagnose your condition by scheduling a checkup with our team and let you know if a root canal is needed.

What Causes the Need for Root Canal?

Accidental injury to a tooth, repeated dental procedures, or untreated decay can all lead to bacterial infection that requires root canal treatment. A dental visit is the best way to determine if a root canal is warranted. Still, it helps to know what signs to watch out for to alert you to this possibility. 

Here are five tell-tale signs to indicate a root canal is needed:  

1. Extreme Toothache 

A throbbing toothache that doesn’t go away after a few days indicates pulpal tooth infection or decay. The pulp is the inner chamber of your tooth that contains its blood vessels and nerves. If your pain feels worse when you bite or chew, chances are you’ll need root canal treatment. A root canal entails removing the infected pulp of your tooth and cleansing the canals to eliminate the infection. Through root canal therapy, Dr. Wright can relieve your pain and save your tooth for future use.

2. Tooth Discoloration 

When a tooth starts to discolor or darken unexpectedly, it’s usually due to severe decay inside the pulp. Damage to your tooth’s connective tissues can also cause it to darken in color. Left untreated, the decay can eventually kill your tooth, prompting Dr. Wright to have it removed. Rather than losing your tooth, Dr. Wright can restore its usefulness with root canal treatment. 

3. Persistent Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity that lingers after consuming hot or cold foods and drinks could be a sign of nerve damage inside the pulp of your tooth. This problem can be remedied through root canal therapy to minimize sensitivity issues.    

4. Gum, Facial or Jaw Swelling

Swelling of the gums, face, or jaw usually indicates a tooth infection. Depending on the severity of the condition, a root canal may be needed to restore oral health. 

5. Dental Abscess 

A dental abscess – a pimple-like pocket of pus that can appear around the gum of a certain tooth – is a sign of severe infection within the inner layer of your tooth. Abscesses can be very painful as the infection attacks your tooth nerves. They can also cause fever or swelling of your face and lymph nodes. Immediate treatment with antibiotics and a root canal can curtail the infection of an abscessed tooth. 

Root Canal Treatment Near Me

Contact Dr. Mark Wright in Colorado Springs, CO, at (719) 624-4122 for safe and effective root canal treatment.

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