5 Signs That You May Need a Root Canal

No one wants to hear that they need a root canal. In fact, you might want to avoid that outcome so badly that you put off going to the dentist.

The problem? If you notice the signs you might need a root canal and you don’t get care, you risk losing that tooth. Root canals are specifically designed to save a tooth with extensive decay. Put off this treatment and you could be saying goodbye to the affected tooth.

Fortunately, here at Riverside Dental, family dentist and oral surgeon Gemini Master-Patel, DMD, and her team offer both comfortable care and expertise in root canals. And with training in laser dentistry, Dr. Master-Patel can make treating your tooth decay as minimally invasive and precise as possible. 

If you think you might need a root canal, don’t wait to visit one of our offices in Yonkers or Thornwood, New York.

Here are five signs you should book that appointment. 

1. Your tooth hurts

Your teeth aren’t supposed to hurt. If you have a persistent aching in your mouth, it’s a sign that something’s wrong. Specifically, it almost definitely means that tooth decay has made it past the hard outer coating of your tooth into the sensitive pulp inside. 

Again, time is of the essence here. Seek treatment early and a root canal can likely save your tooth. Wait and that decay can spread so much that you need a tooth extraction. 

2. Your gums are swollen or tender

The bacteria that causes tooth decay doesn’t just impact your teeth. It also hurts your gums. If you notice that your gums are particularly sensitive or swollen in one part of your mouth, it likely means you have a dental problem in that area. 

3. You have more temperature sensitivity

Again, your tooth has a hard outer coating. This enamel protects your teeth as you eat and drink. But if bacteria eat away at that enamel, you can develop greater tooth sensitivity. Suddenly, drinking hot coffee or enjoying ice cream might feel painful.

If you notice an increase in your mouth’s temperature sensitivity, it’s worth a visit to Dr. Master-Patel. 

4. Your tooth is changing colors

As the decay progresses and eats away at your enamel — which is white — it exposes the yellow dentin underneath. This generally happens evenly across all your teeth, causing yellowing through the years. 

If you notice one tooth with much more discoloration than the others, though, talk to Dr. Master-Patel. That’s particularly true if the discoloration is brown or black. 

5. You see pus in your mouth

Tooth decay can progress to the point that you get an abscess, which essentially means that pus has developed in your mouth. In many cases, that pus stays confined inside your tooth (contributing to that tooth pain we mentioned first). But it can make its way out too. If you see white pimple-like bumps on your gums, make an appointment with our team. 

Do any of these signs sound familiar? If so, don’t wait to call our office most convenient to you, or book your appointment online today.