We all know that horrible feeling. You’ve got a delicious meal in front of you, you take a bite, and out of nowhere…you feel it!

A searing pain in one of your teeth. Or you may not experience any pain at all. It just may “feel weird” and then all sudden you develop a pimple on your gums. But what does it mean?

If you’re worried that you may need a root canal, don’t panic. There are some sure-fire signs to look out for that can put your mind at ease.

Root canals have a bad reputation. At Dental TLC we specialize in changing your perception on this and other dental procedures. We are proud to have an Associate Endodontist (Root Canal Specialist) as a part of our team. He works closely with our general dentists to co-diagnose allowing us to provide our patients with customized, cost effective, and convenient care UNDER ONE ROOF.

The vast majority of root canal procedures proceed painlessly. With modern techniques and anesthetics many of our patients have reported that having a root canal is close to the same experience as having a filling done.

Root canal therapy is imperative to prolong the life of a tooth that may have a deep cavity, fracture, or infection.

Keep reading to learn more and for five signs indicating you may need a root canal. Let’s get started!

Severe/ Spontaneous Tooth Pain

“’Spontaneous” …meaning you have a tooth that just starts to cause you significant pain for no other attributable cause, completely out of the blue.

This is a significant sign, because root canals are required when a tooth has decayed to a point that the nerve inside the affected tooth is exposed. The pain can range in severity, and it can also change in sensation as you change positions, like sitting, bending over, laying down etc. If you have spontaneous, significant tooth pain, call your dentist or endodontist immediately.

Discoloration of Teeth

If one of your teeth becomes darker in color than the rest, this can be a sign of infection and/or nerve damage within the tooth. Typically, the affected tooth will take on a gray shadow.

“Pimples” On Your Gums

If you see what appears to be a pus-filled “boil” on your gum, you may be experiencing a tooth infection.

Do NOT attempt to drain such an area. Instead, notify your dentist or endodontist and let them assess the condition.

Gum Swelling or Discomfort

An infected tooth will typically cause some sort of discomfort around the gum tissues. However, the discomfort can take many forms. In some patients, it feels like a relatively painless bump or knot on the gums. In others, the swelling can be noticeable on the outside of the face.

Patients who have previously been diagnosed with gum disease may mistakenly assume that this swelling is a part of gingivitis or periodontal disease. Schedule a consult and we can determine what treatment is best for you.

Prolonged Sensitivity or Painful Chewing

This is another symptom which can be mistaken for something less severe. When patients feel minor discomfort eating something sugary, that can be a sign of a cavity. Painful chewing or pain when biting without food are good reasons to call your dentist immediately.

GENTLE & NON-JUDGMENTAL

Dental TLC Offers You A Comfortable, Convenient & Cost-Effective Experience

Dental TLC believes that going to the dentist should be enjoyable, because you’re doing something good for yourself! Your comfort is our #1 priority! Our talented team is hand-picked to provide you with the best care possible. Free laughing gas is just one of the ways we accumulate our raving fans. We have extended hours of operation to better serve busy Atlanta. Give us a look!

404-255-2273

https://www.dentaltlc.com

290 Hilderbrand Dr. Sandy Springs, Ga 30328

Atlanta’s FUN Dental Experience