Have you been wondering why your tooth has suddenly begun to hurt? Pain and other symptoms may be signs that you need a root canal. The tooth-saving procedure is performed in Plantation, FL, by your dentist, Dr. Hitesh Shroff.
Signs and symptoms that may occur if you need a root canal
Root canals are performed to save infected or inflamed teeth and end your pain. During the procedure, your Plantation dentist removes the infected or inflamed pulp, cleans the inside of your tooth and the root canals thoroughly, and replaces the pulp with a special filling material.
Signs and symptoms can be mild at first, although they'll worsen if you don't receive dental treatment. You may need a root canal if:
- Your tooth won't stop hurting: Pain is a sign of trouble, whether it's caused by a cavity, a crack in your tooth or a problem with your tooth pulp. Schedule an appointment as soon as you notice a toothache, even if it's mild. Your dentist will determine the cause of your pain and offer appropriate treatment.
- Pressing on your tooth worsens the pain: Chewing or putting the slightest amount of pressure on your tooth may cause pain if you need a root canal.
- Your tooth is very sensitive to changes in temperature: Increased pain after eating or drinking hot, cold or sugary beverages and foods can be a sign that you have an infection or inflammation in your tooth pulp.
- Your gums are bothering you: Changes inside your tooth may cause the gum surrounding it to be red, swollen and tender.
- Your tooth is noticeably darker: Teeth don't normally change color. If your tooth has become darker, it may be a sign of a problem.
- You don't feel well, and your tooth is very painful: A bacterial abscess in your tooth pulp can make you feel awful and cause severe, throbbing pain in your tooth and jaw. Other symptoms of this dental emergency may include fever, facial swelling, pus around your tooth, swollen lymph nodes and a small bump on your gums.
Do you have any of these signs and symptoms? Call your dentist in Plantation, FL, Dr. Shroff at (954) 423-3969 to schedule an appointment.