Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Does your mouth hurt? Are you experiencing discomfort or swelling indicating a possible tooth issue? Below are some symptoms that can help your dentist diagnose your dental issue and determine the best option for treatment. 

PAIN SYMPTOMS

You may be experiencing varying levels of pain and discomfort that can indicate the need for a root canal, such as:

• Level of discomfort that may vary from slight to extreme, sometimes accompanied by a pulsing or throbbing sensation in the gum tissue.
• Pain that may lessen or intensify when you move around and change position, such as standing up and bending over.
• Sensitivity to exposure to hot or cold foods and beverages.
• Tooth pain that lingers for a while, from a few minutes to a few hours, before finally fading and returning at another time.
• Pain or discomfort that prevents you from sleeping well or at all.

In addition to pain, you may also experience symptoms like:

• Gum tissue is tender
• Swelling and tenderness at the tip of the problem tooth’s root
• Infected tooth feels slightly taller or elevated compared to other teeth
• Swelling in jaw, face or neck
• Pronounced gum swelling, resembling a pimple or “gumboil”

The frequency of pain and/or swelling may be transient or persistent. However, not every tooth infection causes swelling or inflammation of the gums. In fact, you may not know which tooth is the culprit.As your dentist, Dr. Garcia can perform a number of tests such as x-rays to determine the health of your gum tissues, nerves and the tooth that is causing you discomfort. The death of a tooth’s nerve isn’t always a painful event and sometimes may only have signs that are obvious to your dentist.Making a self-diagnosis is not recommended, but the signs and symptoms listed above may help you determine if the discomfort you are experiencing requires a professional opinion. Dr. Garcia has been helping New Mexicans relieve their tooth pain for over 30 years. If you are experiencing any tooth or gum pain, don’t delay seeking treatment. Immediate attention will not only relieve you of the pain, but will also prevent further damage and infection.Se habla Español.  

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