Far too often, minor dental pain gets the “Eh, I’m sure it’ll be fine” treatment.
As far too many people learn every year, that tooth pain doesn’t just go away. It may temporarily subside, but that’s just a fleeting break until it comes back, more severe and deeply entrenched. Wait long enough, and you can expect relentless, sharp, throbbing pain, especially when biting or chewing.
If you’ve already arrived at this unpleasant point, you’re dealing with a severe, deep dental damage that can only be corrected by root canal treatment. If you’re not sure, here are five surefire signs that your tooth is screaming out for a root canal in Wilbraham.
1. Extreme Temperature Sensitivity
Prolonged and heightened sensitivity to hot or cold, even well after the temperature in the mouth has normalized, is a sign of nerve damage or dental decay. Unlike mild sensitivity, which can be normal, this is usually a sign that the tooth’s inner pulp is injured or infected and requires professional attention.
2. Tender or Swollen Gums
Swelling or tenderness in the gum tissue around a specific tooth points to infection spreading from the tooth's root. In some cases, this swelling is accompanied by a small bump on the gum near the affected tooth, called an abscess, whose presence confirms the need for a root canal.
3. Dental Discoloration
Sometimes teeth darken or develop a grayish tint. This discoloration isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it can indicate trauma or decay in the tooth's internal tissue (the pulp) that can only be addressed with a root canal.
4. Deep Decay
Untreated cavities can penetrate tooth enamel and allow bacteria to infect the pulp chamber. Left untreated, this infection can cause severe pain, swelling, and eventual tooth loss. Root canal treatment cleans out the infected tissue, seals the tooth, and prevents further complications.
5. Cracking or Breakage of the Tooth
Dental fractures that penetrate deep into a tooth can similarly allow bacterial infiltration, pulp infection, severe, unrelenting pain, and, eventually, tooth loss.
If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your dentist promptly to determine if root canal therapy is the best solution for restoring your oral health.
Effective, Efficient Root Canal Treatment in Wilbraham, MA
If you’re in Wilbraham and want to learn more about identifying severe dental issues and what to expect from root canal treatment, contact Dr. Mikhail Tsesis and the excellent Wilbraham Family Dentistry team to schedule a consultation.