Is that pain in your tooth a sign you need a root canal? Visit your Greenwood, IN, dentist, Dr. Kristin Stevens of Center Grove Family Dentistry, to determine what's wrong with your tooth. These signs and symptoms may mean a root canal is in your future:
You have a toothache
Pain occurs when the pulp in the center of your tooth becomes inflamed, irritated, or infected. Pulp is a soft collection of nerves, tissues, and blood vessels protected by the harder dentin and enamels layers of the tooth.
If you have an issue with your pulp, you may experience pain in your tooth that may be constant or might come and go. Pain may increase when you chew or press on your tooth. Tooth pain can vary from a mild ache to severe, throbbing pain if you need a root canal.
You can't handle temperature extremes
Eating or drinking hot or cold foods or beverages can be very painful if you need a root canal. You may also notice that sugary foods tend to cause pain. Pain can last as long as 30 minutes after you eat or drink.
Your gum is sore
The gum surrounding an inflamed or infected tooth can become quite sore if you need a root canal. Since sore, inflamed gums can also be a sign of gum disease, it's important to pay a visit to the Greenwood, IN, dental office if you notice that your gum is red, painful, or puffy.
Your tooth doesn't look the same
Does your problem tooth look a little different? Pulp issues can cause teeth to darken. If your tooth hurts and it's become darker, visit the dentist as soon as possible.
A painful tooth isn't your only problem
If your tooth is throbbing, your face is swollen, and you feel sick, you may have a dental abscess. Abscesses occur when a bacterial infection occurs in the tooth pulp. The infection is a dental emergency and must be treated right away to prevent the infection from spreading. Other signs and symptoms of an abscess can include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and pus or a pimple-like bump on your gum.
Protect your smile with root canals! Call your dentist in Greenwood, IN, Dr. Stevens of Center Grove Family Dentistry, at (317) 548-2627 to schedule your appointment.