Signs You Need Root Canal Therapyin Smyrna and East Point, GA

Young woman holding her mouth in pain

When to Seek Treatment for Dental Infections

Persistent tooth pain, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, and swelling around the gums can be warning signs of a deeper dental issue, possibly an infection that requires a root canal. Recognizing these symptoms early can help save your natural tooth, reduce tooth pain, and prevent more serious complications. If you’re noticing discomfort that won’t go away, it’s time to take the next step. Contact JLM Dental Studios to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Jarrett Manning. Call our Smyrna office at 770-433-1515 or our East Point location at 404-766-8559 today.

Why Patients Choose Dr. Jarrett Manning

Business mogul Dr. Jarrett L. Manning is an accredited dentist, natural hair and style maven, business and relationship coach, and 3x best-selling author. She is among the country’s most well-known and respected dentists.

Dr. Jarrett also has a passion for mentoring girls, and because of this passion, she started Beyond Her Smile, a non-profit organization that advances positivity among young girls and exposes them to STEAM-based careers.

Couple smiling

Signs You Need Root Canal Therapy

Several symptoms can indicate you need a root canal. If you are experiencing these, it may not be too late to save your natural tooth.

Persistent Pain

One of the most significant indicators that suggest you need root canal treatment is persistent pain. If you experience sharp, throbbing pain in your tooth, especially when you bite down or apply pressure, it could be a sign of infected pulp. The pain can also spread to your jaw, ear, or neck, indicating that the infection has spread beyond the tooth.

Sensitivity to Temperature

Do you experience discomfort or pain when you consume hot or cold beverages or food? This temperature sensitivity could indicate that the nerves inside your tooth are damaged or infected and that you need root canal treatment.

Gum Swelling and Tenderness

If you notice swelling or tenderness in your gums around the affected tooth, it could be a sign of an abscess. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the tooth’s base and can cause severe pain and discomfort. In such cases, root canal treatment is essential to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body.

Tooth Discoloration

An infected tooth can appear discolored or darkened, indicating that the pulp inside is damaged. If your tooth has changed color and you experience pain or sensitivity, seek immediate dental treatment.

Cracked or Chipped Tooth

A cracked or chipped tooth can expose the pulp, leading to infection and decay. If you notice a crack or chip in your tooth and experience pain or sensitivity, you should consult your dentist immediately.

Persistent Pimple on the Gums

Also known as a dental abscess or fistula, this can be a sign of an infection draining from the tooth. It may also be accompanied by pus, which can give a bad taste in the mouth.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact a dentist near you to discuss if you may need a root canal. Our dentist will work to fix the infected tooth with the root canal procedure and a temporary filling until your tooth heals and a permanent crown can be affixed.

Risk Factors of Developing a Tooth Infection

While anyone can develop an infected or damaged tooth that requires root canal treatment, certain factors can increase your risk. These include:

  • Poor Oral Hygiene: Failing to brush and floss regularly can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria, which can eventually lead to tooth decay and infection.
  • Tooth Injury: A cracked or chipped tooth can expose the pulp and make it more susceptible to infection and decay.
  • Deep Cavities: Untreated cavities can progress and reach the pulp, leading to infection and pain.
  • Previous Dental Work: If you have had multiple dental procedures on a tooth, such as fillings or crowns, it may be more susceptible to infection and require root canal treatment.

Contact our Smyrna & East Point, GA dentist at JLM Dental Studios by calling our Smyrna office at 770-433-1515 or our East Point location at 404-766-8559 today if you’re experiencing signs of a root canal infection. Dr. Manning will do their best to ensure that your natural tooth gets saved.

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