Signs that You Might Need Root Canal Therapy

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Signs that You Might Need Root Canal Therapy

Find out when root canal treatment might be necessary for your smile.root canal

If something feels wrong with your smile this is certainly not something you should just ignore. While no one loves the idea of needing to get a root canal it’s something that could save you a lot of money and heartache in the future. Our Chicago, IL, dentist, Dr. Mark Gamalinda, is here to tell you the telltale signs that a root canal may be needed and why this procedure could be crucial.

What is root canal therapy?

This endodontic treatment (which involves the soft tissue found inside the tooth) is used to treat and save a tooth that has extensive decay, infection or trauma. This procedure will be recommended by our Chicago general dentist if the decay, infection or trauma has affected the integrity and life of the dental pulp. Even though root canal treatment does get a bad rap, it’s really no more invasive than getting a tooth filled. Most people report feeling absolutely nothing during this procedure.

How do I know if I need root canal therapy?

Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to tell whether this treatment is a necessity or not, which is why everyone should visit their dentist every six months for checkups even if they aren’t experiencing symptoms or issues. A lot of dental problems never present any symptoms and the only way we are able to detect them is through a routine exam.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that symptoms won’t always appear. Those who require root canal therapy may experience these issues:

  • A severe or persistent toothache that gets worse when chewing or putting pressure on the tooth
  • Increased and lingering tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
  • Tooth discoloration or darkening
  • Swelling and tender gums around the affected tooth
  • The development of a pimple on the gums (also known as an abscess)

If you have any of these symptoms it’s important that you get it checked out right away. These symptoms can also be indicative of other dental issues that need to be addressed. The sooner you seek treatment the better.

Today’s Dentistry in Chicago, IL, is dedicated to providing a full range of dental services when you need it most. Find out how we can give you the smile you want in the Second City!