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5 Signs You May Need a Tooth-Saving Root Canal Treatment

Oct 12, 2023
5 Signs You May Need a Tooth-Saving Root Canal Treatment
What you’ve heard about root canals likely isn’t true. A root canal is a safe and effective way to save your tooth. From a discolored tooth to persistent pain, discover the five common symptoms you need a root canal.

Save your original tooth with a root canal. This routine procedure relieves pain and saves as much as the original tooth as possible. Infected tissue, known as pulp, can damage your tooth. A root canal cleans and disinfects the area and seals the tooth, preventing further decay. 

At Nassau Dental Spa in Franklin, New York, we assess your oral health and recommend dental care to ensure your comfort and long-term health, including root canals. Also known as endodontics, we treat infections, inflammations, and tooth pulp damage. 

5 Tell-tale symptoms you might need a root canal 

Your teeth contain a tissue called pulp. This pulp is the heart of your teeth as it contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue to grow the roots of your teeth. Once your teeth are mature, they don’t need the pulp to stay healthy. A root canal simply means removing this pulp if it’s infected.

1- Persistent tooth pain 

If you have a tooth pain that won’t let up, that’s a sign something’s wrong. Your toothache might be mild or intense as the infection or inflammation in the pulp grows. 

2- Temperature sensitivity 

Are you suddenly feeling tooth pain when you eat ice cream or sip hot drinks? This can be a sign that your tooth’s nerves and pulp are affected by temperature changes. Even mild temperatures can trigger sharp pain. A root canal will eliminate the pain source by removing the nerves. 

3- Gum swelling 

Any time you have swollen or tender gums, that’s a signal to make a dental appointment. Your body’s natural response to infection is to fight it, which can lead to swelling. Additionally, you can even experience an abscess. 

An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms at the tooth’s root. An abscess usually causes pain and swelling. 

4- Discoloration of your teeth 

If you notice one of your teeth is turning dark or grayish, that could be a sign of a dying tooth. If the nerve tissue is damaged or dies, it can look dark. It might not hurt, but a root canal can prevent further discoloration and restore the tooth’s natural color. 

5- Loose teeth or changes in bite 

Damaged teeth are weak teeth. They can loosen or adjust their position in an attempt to compensate. If your teeth shift position, that can throw off your jaw alignment and lead to other problems. 

When you promptly have a root canal, you alleviate pain and discomfort. You also improve your overall dental health by preventing an infection from spreading.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, please make an appointment with Nassau Dental Spa in Franklin Square, New York. We evaluate your dental health to determine the best approach for you. You can schedule your appointment with our online scheduling tool