Symptoms That Indicate You Might Need a Root Canal Procedure

If you have tooth pain or another issue, you might wonder what a visit to the dentist may reveal. You may need a root canal procedure. In order to properly evaluate your issue and to confirm the need for a procedure, a dentist will examine several factors. These typically include the symptoms you are experiencing, the signs observed, and any additional testing required to confirm an initial theory.

You may have noticed:

• You experience average to severe pain that lingers, during or immediately after drinking hot liquids or food, or very cold liquids or foods.
• You have pain, swelling, or sensitivity when biting or chewing on a certain tooth.
• Your tooth pain disrupts your life, preventing you from sleeping through the night or conducting your daily business without taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.
• You have a “bubble” on your gum, similar to a pimple. When irritated, it may release blood or pus that can smell or taste bad.
• You have pain that radiates out from one tooth to other areas of your head or jaw. For example, a tooth pain can lead to a pain behind the eye like a headache or to the ear, resulting in earache symptoms.
• You have a discolored tooth that is darker than the surrounding teeth. A grey tooth can indicate a “dead” tooth.
• You have a broken or cracked tooth with obvious signs of damage or decay.

Your dentist may have noticed:

• A tooth problem revealed by x-rays
• A recurring or persistent gum pimple (also called “fistulous tracts”)
• A tooth that has changed color

Additional testing:

• X-ray examination – if x-rays did not reveal the problem, they can provide an extremely clear picture of tooth health
• Percussion testing – a gentle tapping on the teeth to evaluate pain response
• Thermal testing – a careful application of a hot or cold stimulus to evaluate sensitivity

Sometimes, teeth needing to undergo a root canal procedure have no symptoms discernible to the patient. It is important to visit your dentist in Shreveport regularly to ensure the proper diagnosis and treatment needed to maintain life-long oral health.

If you live in the Shreveport, contact us today