Infection in the teeth can cause severe toothache and pain. Dentists advise patients to undergo a complete dental checkup to analyze the condition. In the case of diagnosing a root canal infection, the dentist advises treatment at the earliest to avoid the spread of infection. Provided below are the signs that you may have a root canal infection.
Severe Tooth Pain
If you are having extreme tooth pain, then you might need a root canal treatment. This is especially the case if the tooth is very infected.
The root canal treatment allows us to clean out infections from inside the tooth. This helps prevent the infection from spreading or worsening. It also eliminates the pain, which can be caused by an abscess.
Swollen Gums
When your gums are swollen, it may be a sign that you have a bacterial infection. You may also have red or swollen gums if you have had recent dental work, such as having a new crown or filling placed.
Tooth Discoloration
Some patients experience significant tooth discoloration after a root canal. This isn’t normal and is often a sign that the root canal treatment hasn’t worked the way it should have.
Teeth are naturally white, so any discoloration after the root canal means that something isn’t right. In most cases, the tooth has become discolored due to failure of the permanent restoration.
Tenderness or Swelling in the Gums
You might also experience tenderness or swelling in the gums. This could mean that you have an infection in the tooth that will require root canal treatment.
Bad Breath
Bad breath may be a sign that you need a root canal treatment. There is a chance that your dental health is causing your bad breath.
If you have persistent bad breath, you should brush and floss your teeth regularly. You should also see your dentist regularly. If these steps do not help, you may require a root canal treatment.
Tooth Fractures
Seeing a fractured tooth is never a good sign. A tooth fracture may be a sign that you need a root canal treatment. A root canal treatment removes infected parts of the tooth and replaces them with a filling material. The tooth will no longer be sensitive, and it will no longer be at risk for infection.
A Tooth Abscess
An abscess is a serious infection that starts out as a cavity. The decay spreads to the pulp and the inner tissue. Once it reaches that point, the nerves are affected, causing severe pain.
Tooth Sensitivity
If you’ve had a decaying tooth or have an infection, your tooth will likely become sensitive. A root canal treatment can help you eliminate any sensitivity you are experiencing.
Please schedule an online appointment or call us at (773) 374-9778 for Chicago and (708) 914-4381 for Homewood to have a consultation with Dr. Moore, and we will be happy to help.