How do you know if you need a root canal? The only way to know for sure is from a dental x-ray, but there are some signs and symptoms that can clue you in. Even though TV shows, movies, and commercials like to make jokes about root canals, ignoring the need to receive this treatment is certainly nothing to laugh about. It’s important that you understand when you may need root canal treatment, as this could just end up saving your tooth. Contact Washington, D.C. Endodontists Dr. Gael Delany, Dr. Julian Moiseiwitsch, and Dr. Naghmeh Latifi, if you are dealing with a toothache.
Wondering whether you might need root canal therapy? Here are some of the top warning signs,
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A toothache that may be persistent or get worse when chewing or biting down
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Tooth sensitivity, particularly to hot or cold
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Tooth darkening or discoloration
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Swollen, tender gums around the tooth
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The development of an abscess on the gums
Remember that not everyone will experience symptoms, which is why it’s important that you keep up with your six-month dental checkups. Even if everything feels healthy and isn’t causing you issues doesn’t necessarily mean that there aren’t problems. It’s better to play it safe when it comes to your oral health.
How can a root canal save my tooth?
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above the best thing you can do is turn to our Washington, D.C., root canal specialists immediately for care. The sooner the problem is addressed the better for the health of your tooth. During a root canal, we will remove the infected or inflamed dental pulp.
We will also disinfect the inside of the tooth and the canals to prevent another infection. Once this is complete, we will fill the inside of the tooth with a special material and then often place a dental crown over the tooth to protect and preserve its natural structure.
If you don’t undergo root canal therapy when it’s required you risk losing your tooth. You also risk a jaw infection. A simple root canal procedure may be all you need to prevent a tooth extraction.
Are you dealing with any of these symptoms above? If so, then the next step is to call D.C. Endodontics in Washington, D.C. We want to make sure your smile gets the treatment it needs as soon as possible.