Nobody signs up for a root canal procedure voluntarily, but it can provide welcome relief when a tooth has become infected down to the nerve. Your dentist will find out if a root canal is required by taking an X-ray of the painful area. However, there are some indicators that can let you know ahead of time if a root canal is in your immediate future.

3 Signs You Might Need a Root Canal Procedure

1. Pain That Lingers

If you’re experiencing tooth pain that doesn’t go away, then you probably have a cavity. If the pain is severe and more noticeable when you’re drinking hot liquids or eating hot food, then you might require a root canal procedure. The pain may be severe enough to require over-the-counter pain relief at night, such as Ibuprofen. Swishing cold water around the tooth may also relieve your symptoms temporarily.

2. It Hurts When You Bite

If it hurts when you bite down with your tooth, then you should see a dentist as soon as possible. If you notice some swelling around your gums or the area around your tooth is sensitive to the touch, then a root canal procedure might be required. You may also notice a bubble on your gums above the tooth that looks like a pimple. The bubble is a sign of infection, and it may even bleed or release pus if you press on it.

3. Pain That Radiates

Small cavities may cause pain, but symptoms are usually localized to the affected tooth. Unfortunately, when decay has progressed deep into the tooth, the pain may radiate to other regions of your jaw and head. It could even feel like an earache. Only a root canal or tooth extraction will bring you relief at this point.

Is tooth pain keeping you awake at night? You might require a root canal procedure. Give the staff at BridgeView Dental Group a call at (907) 486-3257 and make an appointment with a dentist in Kodiak, AK, today. They also perform teeth extractions and tooth implants if necessary. Visit the website to find out which other services they offer or go online to request an appointment.