A root canal is a dental procedure many people have heard, but aren’t familiar with. In many cases, infections develop because cavities go unaddressed, which is why it’s important to recognize how to prevent them and early signs of this type of infection. This will ensure you see your dentist in time to minimize the infection’s impact, and help you potentially avoid the need of root canal therapy.

3 Symptoms of a Root Canal Infection

1. Sharp Pain

The one thing everyone associates root canals with is pain. In reality, the procedure itself is actually painless; the infection is what actually causes the worst pain. If the pulp chamber inside your tooth is infected, you may experience severe, throbbing aches within your tooth, especially while biting down. This debilitating tooth pain can also be triggered due to sensitivity to hot and cold foods. During remediation, a dentist will clean the infection from these internal pulp chambers, then seal the tooth.

2. Tooth Discoloration 

In the case of serious decay, the tooth with the root infection will begin to darken as it dies. It may also release foul-smelling drainage from the infected gum tissue. When decay-causing bacteria can enter the root chambers through a cavity, they create an infection that essentially destroys the tooth’s nerves. Rather than a tooth extraction, a dentist can perform root canal therapy to save the tooth.

3. Swelling

Depending on the location and extent of the root infection, there may be swelling around the gums, the entire mouth, and even through other areas of the face. When untreated, the root canal infection can spread to surrounding teeth, causing even more serious damage. If you experience any unexplained swelling, always tell your dentist so they can take a closer look and see what’s causing the issue.

Whether you need root canal therapy or just a basic dental exam, the team at Enterprise Dental Associates can assist. Serving the Enterprise, AL, area for over 37 years, the family dentist offers a number of services, including general dentistry and cosmetic procedures—all of which you can learn about on their website. Call (334) 347-9564 to schedule an exam, and connect on Facebook for more oral health tips and updates.