A persistent toothache can disrupt your life, making it hard to eat, sleep, or even concentrate. While it’s tempting to hope the pain will simply go away, it often points to a deeper issue. If you’re experiencing significant tooth discomfort, you might need a root canal. At Cascade Endodontics in Orem, UT, Dr. Jon Jenson and his compassionate team are dedicated to relieving your pain and saving your natural teeth. Understanding the signs that point to a needed root canal is the first step toward a healthy, pain-free smile.
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to more severe problems, including tooth loss. Here are five key signs that it’s time to seek expert endodontic care.
1. Persistent, Severe Tooth Pain
A common indicator of a root canal problem is a continuous, throbbing pain in your tooth. This discomfort might be constant or it may come and go, but it’s intense enough to interfere with your daily activities. The pain often stems from an infection in the tooth’s pulp, the sensitive inner tissue containing nerves and blood vessels. This type of pain is your body’s clear signal that something is wrong and requires immediate attention.
2. Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
While many people have sensitive teeth, the sensitivity associated with a needed root canal is different. It’s a sharp, intense pain that lingers long after you’ve finished your hot coffee or cold drink. This prolonged sensitivity suggests that the nerves inside your tooth are damaged or inflamed. Dr. Jenson can expertly diagnose the cause of this sensitivity and determine if a root canal is the best solution.
3. Swollen Gums
Swelling or tenderness in the gums near a painful tooth is a significant red flag. This inflammation is often caused by pus from an infection inside the tooth. You might notice a recurring pimple-like bump, known as a fistula, on your gums. This is a sign that the infection is trying to drain. Prompt treatment is crucial to stop the infection from spreading to other areas.
4. Tooth Discoloration
An infection in the tooth’s pulp can damage the root and cause the tooth to darken. If you notice one of your teeth turning grayish-black, it often means the internal tissue is dying. This change in color, especially when combined with pain, is a strong indication that endodontic treatment is necessary to clean out the damaged pulp and save the tooth.
5. Pain When Chewing or Touching the Tooth
If your tooth is extremely tender when you eat or even when you lightly touch it, the ligaments around the root may be inflamed due to infection. The pressure from chewing aggravates the already sensitive area, causing sharp pain. This makes eating uncomfortable and is a clear sign that the tooth’s nerve is in distress.
Don’t Wait to Get Help
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms in Provo, Orem, or anywhere in Utah County, it’s important not to wait. An infected tooth will not heal on its own. Dr. Jon Jenson at Cascade Endodontics specializes in providing skilled and gentle root canal therapy to eliminate infection, relieve pain, and preserve your tooth. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward restoring your oral health.