Signs You May Need a Root Canal

 Tooth pain that keeps coming back can affect how you eat, sleep, and get through your day. Often, that pain comes from an infection or damage deep inside the tooth, where a filling can’t reach. A root canal removes the problem at the source and lets you keep your natural tooth. 

Common signs you may need a root canal procedure in Daphne, AL include a lingering toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold, gum swelling, a darkened tooth, and pain when chewing. Getting these symptoms checked early can help you avoid a more serious infection. 

At Eastern Shore Endodontics, our endodontic team specializes in saving teeth with root canal therapy. Call today to schedule a consultation. 

What is a root canal? 

Many ask, “What is a root canal?” and picture something painful. In reality, it’s a routine treatment that removes infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth. 

Each tooth has a soft middle called the pulp, which holds nerves and blood vessels. When deep decay, a crack, or an injury lets bacteria reach the pulp, it can become inflamed or infected. This often leads to tooth pain that won’t go away on its own. A root canal cleans out the damaged pulp and seals the tooth to keep bacteria out, so you can avoid having it pulled. 

Signs you may need a root canal 

Some problems are easy to notice, while others, like tooth discoloration, develop slowly. Watch for:  

• Lingering toothache: Tooth pain that lasts for days or wakes you up at night. 
• Sensitivity to hot or cold: A sharp ache that lingers long after you eat or drink hot or cold foods. 
• Gum swelling: Swollen gums near the tooth, sometimes with a small bump that looks like a pimple. 
• A darkened tooth: Tooth discoloration, such as a gray or dark shade. 
• Pain when chewing: Pain when you bite down or touch the tooth. 

Having one of these symptoms doesn’t always mean you need a root canal, but a specialist should take a look. If you have swollen gums along with a fever or facial swelling, call right away. 

What happens during a root canal 

A root canal procedure is done at our office in Daphne, AL, with local anesthesia to numb the area. If you feel anxious, we offer nitrous oxide to help you relax while staying awake. We open the tooth, remove the infected pulp, and clean and seal the inside. Treatment usually takes 1 – 2 hours. 

A temporary restoration protects the tooth until your regular dentist places a crown or new restoration. A crown can also cover tooth discoloration and help protect the tooth from breaking. 

Some tenderness in the first few days is normal, and an over-the-counter pain reliever usually keeps it under control. Any swollen gums around the tooth should settle as the area heals. Try not to bite down hard on that side until the tooth is restored. Keep up your usual brushing and flossing. Most people feel ready to return to work or school the next day. 

Book a root canal evaluation in Daphne, AL 

If you have questions such as, “What is a root canal?” or “Does a root canal hurt?” we’re glad to help. At Eastern Shore Endodontics in Daphne, AL, our team can evaluate your symptoms and tell you whether a root canal procedure is the right next step. Call today to schedule a consultation and get relief from your pain.