If you have been experiencing problems with a tooth, you may wonder if you need root canal therapy in Flowery Branch. Root canals are performed when the nerve or pulp of the tooth becomes infected and inflamed due to dental decay, a cracked or broken tooth or an injury to the tooth. Only your dentist or a dental specialist can determine whether a root canal will adequately treat your problem.
Here are a few possible symptoms that might require root canal therapy in Flowery Branch and some steps for dealing with them.
General Possible Symptoms: The most common symptom that may indicate the need for a root canal is tooth pain. The intensity of the pain can range from mild to severe, it may lessen or intensify throughout the day or it may get worse only when you bite down on the tooth. Some patients experience prolonged sensitivity to hot food or liquids and their gums may also feel tender and swollen near the problem area.
First Steps You Should Take
If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact our office right away. Explain your symptoms by phone to a staff member, who may arrange for you to come in right away or may recommend emergency care depending on the severity of your symptoms. To soothe the pain and alleviate swelling, apply an ice pack to the outside of your jaw.
Sometimes tooth pain can be so severe that you may think you need root canal therapy in Flowery Branch. But did you know that your tooth pain could also indicate a problem that requires a different type of dental treatment?
Only your skilled dentist will be able to tell for sure if you do or do not need root canal therapy, but the following common symptoms should prompt you to pay a visit to your dentist so he or she can decide if you need a root canal or something else.
Do You Need Root Canal Therapy in Flowery Branch?
If you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms you may need a root canal; contact our office right away if:
- You have severe tooth pain, especially when you chew or put any sort of pressure on a certain area of your tooth;
- You notice tender or swollen gums near the painful tooth;
- Your painful tooth appears darker or discolored;
- You see a tiny bump (sort of like a pimple) on your gums where you are experiencing tooth pain;
- You experience pain in your tooth when it is exposed to hot or cold temperatures, and the pain and sensitivity lingers long after being exposed to these elements.
Signs You Probably Don’t Need Root Canal Therapy in Flowery Branch
The following common signs and symptoms may indicate other dental issues, some of which may require alternate dental treatments.
- You experience mild tooth pain when you eat or drink something that is hot or cold, but the pain is not prolonged.
- You feel sharp pain in your tooth when you bite in a certain way.
- Your tooth pain sets in when you eat something sweet and sugary, but the pain goes away quickly.
- You notice that your tooth is only sensitive to touch, and that your gums are swollen around this tooth.
- The pain you feel in your tooth is “electric” in nature. It’s sharp and shooting.
- A group of teeth have become painful, but are non-specific. The pain is also worsened when you are working out, walking down sets of stairs or jumping.
- You have pain in your cheeks or increased pain in your mouth in the morning.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and want to know if root canal therapy in Flowery Branch could help relieve your pain, call our office today to schedule a consultation and let’s get you pain free!