Signs You Need Root Canal Therapy in Hilliard, OH

Recognizing the Warning Signs of a Dental Infection

Root canal therapy is a highly effective treatment designed to alleviate pain, save natural teeth, and prevent further complications caused by dental infections. Many patients hesitate to seek treatment due to misconceptions about the procedure, but modern root canal therapy is virtually painless and often relieves significant discomfort.

If you’re in Hilliard, OH, or the surrounding areas, recognizing the signs of a tooth infection early is critical. Contact our Hilliard dentist at (614) 771-6060 to learn what to watch for and do when you suspect your tooth is infected.

Signs You Need Root Canal Therapy

1. Persistent Tooth Pain

If you experience ongoing tooth pain, especially when biting down or applying pressure, it may indicate an infection in the pulp of your tooth. This pain might also spread to your jaw, ear, or neck, signaling the infection has spread beyond the tooth.

2. Sensitivity to Hot and Cold 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 need root canal therapy.

3. Swollen or Tender Gums

Swelling, tenderness, or the presence of a small bump (fistula) on the gums near a problematic tooth often suggests an abscess. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the tooth’s base and can cause severe pain and discomfort. Left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body.

In such cases, root canal therapy is essential to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body.

4. Tooth Discoloration

A tooth that becomes gray, dark, or otherwise discolored may have damaged or dying pulp. Discoloration combined with sensitivity or pain requires prompt evaluation.

5. Cracked or Chipped Tooth

A cracked or chipped tooth can expose the pulp, increasing the risk of infection and decay. Pain or sensitivity following a dental injury could indicate that a root canal is necessary.

6. Persistent Pimples on the Gums

Also known as a dental abscess or fistula, is a small pimple near the affected tooth, often releasing pus, and is a clear sign of infection. This condition requires immediate attention to prevent further complications.

Risk Factors of Developing a Tooth Infection

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

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to cavities and infections.
• Deep Cavities: Untreated decay that reaches the pulp can result in infection and pain.
• Tooth Trauma: Injuries like cracks or chips allow bacteria to reach the pulp.
• Multiple Dental Procedures: Teeth with repeated fillings or crowns are more susceptible to infection.

Contact our Hilliard dentist at Fishinger Dental by calling (614) 771-6060 today if you’re experiencing signs of a root canal infection. Dr. Nathan Desai will do their best to ensure that your natural tooth gets saved.

What Happens If You Delay Treatment?

Ignoring the signs of tooth infection can lead to severe consequences:

• The infection can spread to surrounding teeth, gums, and even other areas of the body.
• You may experience worsening pain and swelling.
• The affected tooth may become unsalvageable, leading to extraction and the need for more invasive procedures like dental implants.

Why Choose Fishinger Dental for Root Canal Therapy?

At Fishinger Dental, Dr. Desai and his team are committed to providing gentle, effective root canal treatments to patients in Hilliard, OH, and nearby communities. Using advanced technology and patient-centered care, we make the process as comfortable as possible.