Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

What your dentist in Mooresville, NC, wants you to knowroot canal

You’ve probably heard stories about root canals and now you’re wondering if you need one. That little twinge you felt a week ago has turned into continuous tooth pain. Dr. R. Scott Langdon in Mooresville, NC, wants to share the signs and symptoms of when you might need a root canal.

If you have tooth pain that doesn’t go away, you need to visit your dentist because early treatment can mean the difference between needing a filling or a root canal. Root canals are often performed because of tooth decay. If tooth decay has only penetrated the top two layers of your tooth, enamel and dentin; you may only need a filling. If you allow decay to go untreated it may penetrate into the inner chamber of your tooth, an area called the pulp. If decay has entered the pulp, you will probably need a root canal.

You won’t know if decay has entered the pulp, but you may notice these signs and symptoms that a root canal might be in your future. You need to pay attention to:

  • Pain that increases if a tooth is exposed to hot or cold temperatures
  • Increased pain after a filling has been placed
  • Throbbing or aching pain when you chew foods
  • Pain that radiates into your jaws, face, or head
  • A tooth darkening or graying compared to the teeth next to it
  • A red or white bump, drainage, pus, or bleeding coming from your gums near the tooth root

Dr. Langdon uses state-of-the-art diagnostic and imaging technology to determine if you need a root canal. Digital x-rays, and temperature and vitality testing help determine whether your tooth has been compromised to the point of needing root canal therapy.

If you need a root canal to eliminate your dental pain, seek out the best. Pick up the phone and call your dentist, Dr. Langdon, in Mooresville, NC. He can get rid of your dental pain so you can smile again, so call today!