Do You Need a Root Canal? Signs Your Tooth May Be Infected
Symptoms that may indicate a problem with the pulp inside a tooth include:
- Persistent or severe tooth pain
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Swollen or tender gums
- Darkening or discoloration of a tooth
- A small raised bump on the gum beside the affected tooth
These symptoms can have different causes, and some infected teeth cause little or no pain. Dr. Simranjit Bawa will examine the tooth and determine whether root canal treatment is appropriate.
Facial swelling with fever, or difficulty swallowing or breathing, requires urgent medical attention.
What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?
Treatment begins with an examination of the affected tooth. Digital X-rays may be used when needed to help evaluate the roots and surrounding structures.
A typical root canal procedure may include:
- Numbing the area: Local anesthesia is used to help keep you comfortable during treatment.
- Accessing the inside of the tooth: An opening is made so the affected pulp can be reached.
- Cleaning the canals: The infected or irritated pulp is removed, followed by cleaning and preparing the canals.
- Filling and sealing the tooth: The cleaned spaces are filled and sealed.
- Restoring the tooth: A filling or crown may be recommended afterward depending on the tooth and how much structure remains.
The number of visits can vary with the tooth and complexity of treatment.
Our office also has music and TVs in the operatories to help create a more relaxed environment during dental visits.
Does Root Canal Therapy Hurt? What Should You Expect Afterward?
Local anesthesia helps keep you comfortable during treatment. Mild tenderness or sensitivity may occur for a few days afterward.
Wait until numbness has worn off before chewing, and avoid heavy pressure on a temporarily restored tooth.
Contact us if pain worsens, swelling returns, your bite feels uneven, or symptoms do not improve.
How Much Does Root Canal Therapy Cost?
The cost depends on which tooth needs treatment, the number and shape of its canals, the complexity of the problem, and whether a final restoration is needed afterward. Molars can sometimes require more involved treatment because they generally have more complex root anatomy.
Dental insurance may cover root canal care partially, but deductibles, annual limits, and plan requirements vary.
After examining the tooth, we can explain the recommended treatment and provide an estimate before you decide how to proceed.
Get a Painful or Sensitive Tooth Checked
If you are looking for root canal therapy near me because a tooth continues to hurt, feels sensitive, or causes discomfort when you bite, schedule an evaluation with our team. We can identify the source of the problem and explain whether root canal treatment may help preserve the tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Symptoms alone cannot confirm the need for treatment. A dental examination and, when appropriate, X-rays are used to determine whether the pulp is inflamed or infected and whether the tooth can be restored.
An infected or irreversibly damaged pulp generally does not recover on its own. The recommended treatment depends on the extent of the damage and whether the tooth is still restorable.
Not every tooth requires the same restoration. A crown may be recommended when the treated tooth needs additional protection, while another restoration may be appropriate in other cases.
There is no guaranteed lifespan. The long-term outlook depends on the tooth’s condition, final restoration, oral hygiene, bite forces, and ongoing dental care.
Many people can return to normal activities soon after treatment. Numbness and mild tenderness can occur, so follow your dentist’s instructions and avoid chewing until normal sensation has returned.
