Tooth Infection Treatment: 5 Signs You May Need a Root Canal

We recommend a root canal when your tooth’s pulp is infected. Often, this happens when harmful bacteria reach the pulp chamber from deep cracks or decay on the enamel. The pulp chamber houses nerves, blood vessels, and other delicate structures. When the harmful bacteria infiltrate the pulp, antibiotics can do little to save your tooth. In such cases, you need a root canal to remove the source of the infection by flushing out the diseased tissues.  

So, how do you know you need a root canal? While only a dentist can establish that, several warning signs can indicate the need for endodontic treatment. 

Some include: 

1. Tooth pain: Although several things can cause tooth pain, infection is a common cause. A constant or throbbing pain that worsens with chewing or biting pressure can signal an issue deep within the tooth. The toothaches can be so severe that they affect your everyday activities, including eating, sleeping, concentrating, etc. Sometimes, your tooth may hurt when you touch or apply pressure, a sign that the tooth’s nerves or surrounding tissue may be inflamed. 
2. Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures: If your tooth experiences prolonged sensitivity after eating or drinking something hot or cold, it may suggest nerve damage. Although it’s normal to experience tooth sensitivity, especially when consuming freezing foods, lingering sensitivity even after removing the stimuli is a sign of infection.
3. Swollen or tender gums: Swollen, red, or tender gums accompanied by a painful tooth are signs of tooth infection. Sometimes, the swelling can appear as a pimple because of pus buildup. This is usually a sign of dental abscess, a painful condition that can result in severe health complications. 
4. Tooth discoloration: There are several causes of tooth discoloration, including foods, drinks, smoking, and neglect. However, seeing your tooth suddenly becoming dark or grey could indicate infection. Infections cause blood vessels to die off, cutting blood supply, which causes color change. 
5. Bad taste or bad breath: Do you experience bad breath or taste despite how well you brush and floss your teeth? This unpleasant taste or smell in your mouth may be caused by pus from an infection inside the tooth.

An infected tooth must be treated immediately. Otherwise, ignoring or postponing treatment causes the infection to progress, which can cause tooth loss and life-threatening systemic infections. Sometimes, pain may subside, but this doesn’t mean you are out of the woods yet. In many cases, temporary relief occurs because the nerve inside the tooth has died. However, the underlying infection persists and can cause further damage without treatment.

Do you or your loved ones need a Los Angeles, CA, root canal? Drs. Don Mungcal, Megan Thai, and Alyssa Hanel combine personalized care with modern pain management techniques to administer stress-free root canals. Call 213-863-9464 to book your treatment today!