Three Signs You Might Need Endodontic Treatment

Most likely, you have heard of root canal therapy, also known as endodontic treatment. You may also know that this treatment can save your natural teeth to avoid the need for dental implants or bridges. We love saving teeth! When the tooth’s pulp is infected, we can go in and remove it to avoid further decay. If you are experiencing the most common symptoms, your general dentist will likely recommend non-surgical endodontic treatment with our practice. So what are the symptoms that indicate you may need root canal therapy?

Common Symptoms That May Indicate You Need Endodontic Treatment:

1. Sharp pain while chewing. This type of sharp pain while eating can be an indicator of a few different problems that may have led to an infection. Tooth pain while chewing most likely means there is tooth decay or a cracked tooth, both of which can open up pathways for bacteria to infect the tooth’s pulp. If this has happened, you will most likely need root canal therapy.
2. Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. If exposing your teeth to hot and cold substances (such as hot coffee or ice cream) causes a lingering pain, it could be the result of an infected or cracked tooth. This, of course, would require endodontic therapy to restore health.
3. Swollen, painful gums. Symptoms that occur in the gums often point to an abscessed tooth, which means the infection is located between the gums and the tooth itself. This type of infection can easily spread to the surrounding bone and gum tissue and sometimes require endodontic therapy as part of the treatment plan.

Schedule an Appointment With Us

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, call us immediately. However, these are only some of the most common symptoms; yours could differ. The only way to know for sure is by seeing a board certified endodontist who can give you an accurate diagnosis. Call us to schedule an appointment today.