All too often, when minor dental discomfort pops up, we assume “it’ll work itself out.”
Unfortunately, tooth pain doesn’t simply go away. Even if it temporarily subsides, wait long enough, and it will come back—bigger and badder. Wait too long, and you’ll encounter sharp, throbbing, and constant pain, particularly when you bite or chew. If you’re at this point, you’re dealing with a deep dental issue like an infection that can only be corrected by root canal treatment.
Here are our top five signs that your dental discomfort is calling out for root canal treatment.
1. Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
Experiencing prolonged and heightened sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures—even after the source is removed—is a possible sign of nerve damage or decay in a tooth. Unlike mild sensitivity, this discomfort often means the tooth’s interior pulp is inflamed or infected and requires immediate attention.
2. Swollen or Tender Gums
Swelling or tenderness in the gum tissue around a specific tooth points to infection spreading from the tooth's root. In some cases, this swelling is accompanied by a small bump on the gum near the affected tooth, called an abscess, whose presence confirms the need for a root canal.
3. Dental Discoloration
Sometimes, teeth darken or develop a grayish tint. This discoloration isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it can indicate trauma or decay in the tooth's internal tissue (the pulp) that can only be addressed with a root canal.
4. Deep Decay
Untreated cavities can penetrate tooth enamel and allow bacteria to infect the pulp chamber. Left untreated, this infection can cause severe pain, swelling, and eventual tooth loss. Root canal treatment cleans out the infected tissue, seals the tooth, and prevents further complications.
5. Dental Cracking or Breakage
Dental fractures that penetrate deep into a tooth can similarly allow bacterial infiltration, pulp infection, severe, unrelenting pain, and, eventually, tooth loss.
If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your dentist promptly to determine if root canal therapy is the best solution for restoring your oral health.
Effective, Efficient, and Pain-Free Root Canal Treatment in Mesquite, TX
If you’re in Mesquite and want to learn more about identifying severe dental issues and what to expect from root canal treatment, contact Dr. R.J. Loera and the excellent Town East Dental Group team to schedule a consultation!