You're enjoying your favorite summer treat, ice cream, when that little twinge in your tooth suddenly becomes more persistent. It becomes so intense that you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night, and now you have a full-blown toothache. Now you're looking for a dentist for tooth pain in Bastrop, TX, and wondering how to know if you need a root canal.
5 Signs You Might Need a Root Canal
Dr. Smith recommends root canal treatment when your tooth becomes infected within the pulp and nerve. Here are some of the signs that indicate you might have a tooth infection:
- A persistent and painful toothache
- Tooth sensitivity to temperature or sweets that lingers
- A white bump or blister on your gums around the infected tooth
- Tooth darkening or discoloration
- A foul taste or odor in your mouth
What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?
If you need a root canal, Dr. Smith starts by numbing the area around the tooth, which also relieves the persistent pain caused by the infection, providing you with some relief. Next, he carefully removes the infected tissue from inside your tooth and cleans it out to ensure it's infection-free. He will temporarily seal the tooth to give it time to heal and the infection to subside.
Once your tooth is fully healed, he'll strengthen it with a dental filling or crown to ensure you have the same chewing function you had before your tooth infection. A root canal eliminates your tooth infection, provides pain relief, and preserves your natural tooth structure.
Do You Need Root Canal Therapy in Bastrop, TX?
If you or a loved one is experiencing some of the signs of a tooth infection, contact our team right away at (512) 321-2188. A tooth infection will not resolve on its own, and you risk damage to neighboring teeth if you wait to seek treatment.