5 Signs You May Need a Root Canal

The news that you need a root canal can strike fear into most hearts, but this is unnecessary. This common procedure relieves serious pain. It doesn’t cause it. Plus, it can preserve your tooth and oral health. 

Root canals are needed when a tooth's interior becomes damaged or infected. But how can you determine if you require one? Your mouth provides warning signs, some of which are more obvious than others.

Tasha M. Knight, DDS, offers endodontics, including root canals and apicoectomies, to treat the soft tissue inside decayed and damaged teeth. 

What is a root canal? 

A root canal treats problems with the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. It is needed when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, trauma, or cracks in the tooth.

During the procedure, Dr. Knight starts by giving you a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort. Then, she creates a small hole in the top of the tooth to access the root canal. Using special tools, she carefully removes the inflamed or dead pulp. Dr. Knight then cleans and disinfects the entire canal to remove bacteria and debris, which is important for the treatment's success.

Once the canals are cleaned, she shapes them and fills them with gutta-percha, sealing the space to prevent future infections. Finally, based on the follow-up treatment plan, she closes the access hole with either a temporary or permanent filling.

Most common signs you need a root canal

If you’re experiencing any of the five following tooth problems, Knight Dental Family Dentistry in Decatur, Georgia, can help. 

1. Hot and cold tooth sensitivity

Feeling sensitivity to hot or cold is a typical response after consuming hot or cold foods and drinks. However, if this sensitivity occurs suddenly, is intense, or lasts a while, it may suggest a more serious underlying issue in the tooth.

2. Significant tooth pain

If you experience soreness or pain in your tooth, it’s important to understand that there is usually a reason behind the discomfort, and it shouldn’t be ignored. Please visit us as soon as possible for any unexplained toothache. 

Unexplained dental pain typically indicates a problem, so it’s essential to have your teeth examined.

3. Tooth discoloration 

Many foods and drinks can stain teeth. However, a professional cleaning treatment in the office can often eliminate normal external discoloration. 

However, if the discoloration remains, it is likely due to internal factors. Sometimes, internal discoloration can indicate the early stages of tooth decay and worse, which may require a root canal.

4. Tender and bleeding gums

Tender, red, pink, or bleeding gums can indicate underlying issues such as gum disease or severe tooth decay. A root canal is a typical treatment for these conditions, removing decay and disease and restoring the tooth. 

5. Tooth pressure sensitivity

It is common to experience some sensitivity while biting into hard foods or applying pressure to your teeth. However, if you feel sensitivity even when eating soft foods or applying light-to-moderate pressure, it may indicate a more serious dental issue.

Dr. Tasha Knight is an endodontic specialist in Decatur, Georgia, who can perform a root canal to remove decay and restore your tooth and smile. If you encounter any of the above symptoms, call 770-323-0113 or book an appointment online for a dental exam.