Six signs you might need emergency or scheduled root canal treatment

If you have a toothache, you might wonder what is causing the problem and how to resolve it. At Northwest Dental Center, we educate our patients on their oral health and wellness and can let them know when they need care as problems arise between routine visits. Root canal treatment is a common dental procedure done to a tooth and may be required in an emergency. Let’s look at some signs that root canal treatment or endodontic therapy might be in order.

Six signs you might need emergency or scheduled root canal treatment

1. A severe toothache. You might think toothache treatment requires just a filling due to a cavity, but it can be a sign of so much more! If you are experiencing a persistent, throbbing toothache that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relievers, this could be a sign of infected or inflamed dental pulp that needs root canal treatment.
2. Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. If you find yourself wincing in pain from sipping on hot coffee or eating an ice cream cone, it could indicate the need for a root canal. The sharp, shooting pain lasts several seconds and often feels very sensitive.
3. The gums around the affected tooth are swollen. Inflammation and swelling of the gums might occur when the tooth’s inner pulp becomes infected or inflamed. This can also cause tenderness and even a small bump on your gumline.
4. Tooth discoloration or darkening. A discolored or darkened tooth can be a sign that the nerve and blood vessels inside are dying or dead, and a root canal is required to save the natural tooth from further damage.
5. Persistent bad breath or undesirable taste in your mouth. Infected pulp can produce an unpleasant smell or taste in your mouth, even after brushing your teeth and using mouthwash. This persistent bad breath could be caused by bacteria present in the infected tooth.
6. Pain when eating or applying pressure on the affected tooth. If you feel pain when chewing food or pressing on a specific area of your mouth, it could indicate an infection or inflammation inside the tooth that requires root canal treatment.

Don’t Let Tooth Pain Wait: Schedule Your Appointment Today!

If you need treatment for a toothache, we advise you to schedule an appointment as soon as possible with our team at Northwest Dental Center to determine the cause of the problem and the right solution to fix it. Our office is at 8300 West Northview Street, and you can reach us by calling (208) 314-4416.

Share this Article