Signs of tooth trouble aren't always obvious. In fact, early signs that indicate you may need a root canal can be very subtle. Fortunately, your Danville, VA, dentists, Drs. Jessica Owen of Art of Dentistry, can diagnose your tooth problem and provide a root canal if needed!
Do I need a root canal?
Although you'll need to visit your Danville dentist to know for sure if you need a root canal, these symptoms may mean that your tooth is 
inflamed or infected:
- Your tooth is killing you: Severe pain in a tooth is never a good sign and warrants a call to the dentist.
- Your tooth hurts a little: Have you put off calling the dental office because your pain really isn't that bad or comes and goes? Pain due to an inflammation or infection in your tooth pulp can be mild at first. Unfortunately, your tooth won't get better on its own, and your pain will only worsen if you ignore it.
- You're sick and in pain: An abscess (i.e. a bacterial infection in your tooth pulp) can make you feel sick and cause severe, throbbing pain in your tooth. Symptoms of abscesses include fever, swollen lymph node, facial swelling, pus, or a small bump on the gum near the tooth.
- Eating is painful: Chewing or putting any pressure on a tooth that needs a root canal can increase pain. An inflammation or infection can also cause the tooth to become sensitive to hot, cold, or sugary foods/beverages. When you consume these foods or drinks, your tooth will ache and continue to be painful for up to 30 minutes.
- Your gum or tooth doesn't look the same: The gum surrounding your tooth may become red and puffy if you need a root canal. In some cases, teeth that need root canals may look darker than usual.
What happens during a root canal?
During a root canal, your dentist removes your tooth pulp and replaces it with a special filling. You'll receive a local anesthetic before the procedure to ensure that you don't feel any pain when he or she works on your tooth. Although your tooth may feel a little tender for a few days after the root canal, you'll soon be pain-free.
Give us a call!
Do you have any root canal signs or symptoms? Call your Danville, VA, dentists, Drs. Jessica Owen of Art of Dentistry at (434) 792-0700 to schedule an appointment.