Symptoms That Indicate You Might Need a Root Canal Procedure

If you have tooth pain or another issue, you might wonder what a visit to the dentist may reveal. You may need a root canal procedure. In order to properly evaluate your issue and to confirm the need for a procedure, a dentist will examine several factors. These typically include the symptoms you are experiencing, the signs observed, and any additional testing required to confirm an initial theory.

You may have noticed:

• You experience average to severe pain that lingers, during or immediately after drinking hot liquids or food, or very cold liquids or foods.
• You have pain, swelling, or sensitivity when biting or chewing on a certain tooth.
• Your tooth pain disrupts your life, preventing you from sleeping through the night or conducting your daily business without taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.
• You have a “bubble” on your gum, similar to a pimple. When irritated, it may release blood or pus that can smell or taste bad.
• You have pain that radiates out from one tooth to other areas of your head or jaw. For example, a tooth pain can lead to a pain behind the eye like a headache or to the ear, resulting in earache symptoms.
• You have a discolored tooth that is darker than the surrounding teeth. A grey tooth can indicate a “dead” tooth.
• You have a broken or cracked tooth with obvious signs of damage or decay.

Your dentist may have noticed:

• A tooth problem revealed by x-rays
• A recurring or persistent gum pimple (also called “fistulous tracts”)
• A tooth that has changed color

Additional testing:

• X-ray examination – if x-rays did not reveal the problem, they can provide an extremely clear picture of tooth health
• Percussion testing – a gentle tapping on the teeth to evaluate pain response
• Thermal testing – a careful application of a hot or cold stimulus to evaluate sensitivity

Sometimes, teeth needing to undergo a root canal procedure have no symptoms discernible to the patient. It is important to visit your dentist regularly to ensure the proper diagnosis and treatment needed to maintain life-long oral health.

If you need root canal treatment in the McDonough area, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.