Signs and symptoms you may need a root canal

You may think you need a root canal if you feel acute pain when you bite down, and you could be right. On the other hand, you may not even know you need a root canal until your dentist tells you. That’s only one reason why it’s important to visit your dentist regularly. Dr. John Gagne, in Waterbury, Connecticut, wants you to know some common signs and symptoms you may need a root canal.

You may need a root canal if you feel:

• Acute, stabbing pain when you bite down on food
• Constant pressure and throbbing pain in your mouth
• Pain that remains long after you’ve eaten hot or cold foods
• Swelling, redness, and a white bump in your gums where your root tip is
• Drainage or pus in the area where your root tip is

If you notice any of these symptoms, you need to see your Waterbury dentist, Dr. Gagne, as soon as you can. He can take x-rays and test the pulp of your tooth to determine if you need a root canal. X-rays typically will show a dark (radiolucent) area indicating the need for a root canal. Pulp testing will indicate sensitivity to hot and cold and vitality of the pulp of your painful tooth.

The main reasons you may need a root canal involve accidents or traumatic injury to your teeth. Root canals are also commonly needed for deep dental decay which has reached the pulp of your tooth. When Dr. Gagne performs root canal therapy, your pain will be gone, but you can still keep your tooth.

You need the skills of a dentist like Dr. Gagne to tell you for sure if you need a root canal. If you do need a root canal, don’t worry! Root canals have become state-of-the-art and are nothing to fear. It’s vital to see your dentist regularly, especially if you have dental pain. Call Dr. John Gagne, in Waterbury, Connecticut, and find out more about whether you need root canal therapy. Call today!