4 Warning Signs You Need a Root Canal

Denis Mustedanagic, DMD, of Me Dental Spa in West Hollywood, California, has restored countless damaged teeth with state-of-the-art root canal therapy. In this month’s blog, he outlines the warning signs that may signal the need for this tooth-saving treatment.

First, here’s a quick overview of what the procedure entails.

What’s the purpose of a root canal, and how does it work?

The purpose of a root canal is to remove infected pulp from a tooth. The pulp is the innermost layer of a tooth.

A root canal procedure starts with Dr. Mustedanagic drilling a tiny hole in your tooth’s crown. He then uses tiny dental instruments to remove infected nerves, blood vessels, and tissues inside the pulp.

Once the infected matter is gone, he cleans and disinfects the pulp chamber and root canals, filling the space with a flexible, rubbery dental material called gutta-percha. Next, he seals the tooth with a temporary filling to prevent bacteria from entering. 

Finally, Dr. Mustedanagic covers the entire tooth with a dental crown.

How do you know if you need a root canal? Here are common signs you have infected pulp and a root canal is your best treatment option.

Persistent tooth pain

Tooth pain when you chew — or when you aren’t even touching your tooth — could indicate infected pulp. Often, the pain worsens over time since the infection won’t vanish on its own. 

Temperature sensitivity

Do you brace yourself when you sip a coffee or wince when you take a bite of ice cream? Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures is another sign you need a root canal. In many cases, temperature sensitivity lingers long after exposure to a hot or cold substance.

This type of pain often indicates your tooth pulp is infected or exposed, requiring immediate attention. 

Sudden tooth discoloration

Another sign of infected pulp is a tooth that suddenly darkens while nearby teeth remain their natural color. 

Such discoloration can occur when severe inflammation triggers blood vessel rupture inside the tooth. That causes staining in the dentinal tubules, the microscopic channels in the tooth layer beneath your enamel. The stains are reflected in the enamel above.

Gum tissue changes

Infected tooth pulp may cause swelling or extreme tenderness in the gums supporting the tooth. Sometimes, a dental abscess may develop, causing your gums to be hypersensitive, with significant swelling and a small pimple-like bump. 

Don’t ignore the signs: Save your tooth instead

Never ignore any of these symptoms; they won’t resolve on their own. Dr. Mustedanagic

offers emergency dentistry services, so don’t risk losing your tooth. If you’re suffering from tooth pain, make an appointment with Me Dental Spa by phone or online today.