Are you experiencing a toothache or other dental discomfort? If so, it’s important that you schedule an appointment with one of dentists in Ann Arbor, Clarkston, and Plymouth, MI, as soon as possible. During your visit, they’ll be able to diagnose the source of your pain and develop a treatment plan to restore your oral health. If they detect an infected tooth, they may recommend a root canal.
Here are some of the top signs that you may be a candidate for root canal therapy.
1. Persistent Toothache
One of the most common signs that you may need root canal treatment is persistent and intense tooth pain. This pain may worsen when you bite down or apply pressure to the affected tooth. The intensity of the pain may vary from mild to excruciating, but if it persists over time, it is important to consult with one of our dentists.
2. Sensitivity to Hot and Cold
If you experience sharp pain or sensitivity to hot or cold beverages or foods that lingers even after the stimulus is removed, it could be a sign of root canal problems. Healthy teeth can handle temperature changes without discomfort, but damaged pulp can cause heightened sensitivity. For prolonged sensitivity to hot and cold, a root canal may be what you need to find relief.
3. Gum Swelling and Tenderness
Inflammation and swelling around the affected tooth are common . The gum may appear red, swollen, and may be tender to the touch. Pus may also develop, leading to a bad taste in your mouth or persistent bad breath.
4. Discoloration of the Tooth
A tooth that has undergone significant decay or trauma may change color. It may become darkened or develop a grayish-black hue. This discoloration occurs as a result of the breakdown of the tooth’s internal structure and can be a clear indication that the root canal is compromised.
5. Tooth Mobility
If you notice that a tooth has become loose or shifted out of its normal position, it could be due to an infection in the root canal. The infection weakens the supporting structures of the tooth, causing it to become mobile. This symptom requires immediate dental attention. Under these circumstances, our dentists would most likely recommend .
6. Prolonged Sensitivity to Touch
When a tooth with a compromised root canal is touched or tapped, it may elicit a sharp, lingering pain. This sensitivity is often an indication that the pulp within the tooth is infected or damaged.
7. Abscess Formation
An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms at the root of the tooth due to a bacterial infection. It can cause severe pain, swelling, and a pimple-like bump on the gums near the affected tooth. The presence of an abscess indicates that you may need an emergency root canal.
Schedule an Appointment with Us
Our dentists in Ann Arbor, Plymouth, and Clarkston, MI, are accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, please call one of our Main Street Dentistry locations. You may also fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.