4 Signs Your Tooth Needs a “Root Canal”

Root canal treatment should have a better reputation! After all, Dr. Vidya Suri and Frisco Elm Dental use this nonsurgical procedure to relieve pain and to “save” teeth that would otherwise be extracted due to severe decay/damage. The process itself does not cause pain. It can also be completed efficiently in a single treatment. It has even been referred to as a deep cleaning for the inside of the tooth because it involves removing the damaged tissue at the center of it. But can your tooth be preserved this way? Below, our team in Little Elm, TX, has isolated four signs of needing a root canal. 

No. 1: Sensitivity

Your teeth should not “sting” when you drink a cold or hot beverage or consume something sweet. Increased tooth sensitivity can be a sign of enamel damage. The sensitivity can become more pronounced as the damage progresses through the tooth. The American Association of Endodontists notes lingering sensitivity as a key symptom of a tooth with damage to the innermost pulp tissue. This sensation lingers after the source of the pain, such as a cold soda or sweet candy, has been removed. 

No. 2: Puffy gums 

The gums that protect and surround the teeth can also betray deep inflammation or infection. The gums do not exist in isolation. If you notice a pimple-like bump on your gums, it may be a dental abscess. As harmful bacteria invade the spaces between the teeth and gums, periodontal abscesses or infections can form. This serious complication may also be accompanied by gums that appear dusky or darker than your “usual” and by tender gums when you touch them. 

No. 3: Persistent pain 

The toothaches associated with teeth that need root canal treatment are often severe. The pain can disrupt every aspect of your life. You may find it difficult to sleep soundly through the night. You likely won’t be able to concentrate on schoolwork or your day-to-day job functions. You may stop eating entirely due to the intense pain when chewing food. The pain may be particularly intense or jarring any time you bite down. 

No. 4: Facial swelling 

Untreated infections do not go away on their own without treatment. They can spread from the mouth to other parts of the face and even locations distant from the affected tooth! You may notice that your cheeks look full, like “chipmunk cheeks.” This situation requires immediate emergency dental care. Systemic infections are a true medical emergency. So, in general, do not ignore the symptoms. You do not want what could have been easily treated with a lesser restoration at the office of Frisco Elm Dental to turn into an emergency that requires a trip to your nearest hospital ER. 

Also, Dr. Suri will not know the true nature of your symptoms until she examines your mouth. Call (214) 705-7100 to schedule your appointment in Little Elm, TX, without delay. 

Share this Article

Frisco Elm Dental

Dr. Vidya Suri

A graduate from University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry, Dr. Vidya Suri is an established dentist who prioritizes her patients and strives to provide them with the best possible dental care. She brings to the table a wealth of knowledge and skills including her ability to pay close attention to the details to provide her patients with the most optimal outcomes that exceed their expectations.

Dr. Suri treats patients of all ages. In order to ensure that she is doing her best, she regularly participates in continuing education courses to stay abreast of new practices, technology, and advancements in the industry. Dr. Suri is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Association.