Recognizing The Top 5 Signs That You Need A Root Canal

Root canal therapy in Reston is the best way to treat an infected tooth. With a root canal from Dr. Ridhi Doshi-Shah at Healthy Smiles Dentistry, you can restore your smile, eliminate pain, and prevent further complications like tooth loss.

But how do you know if you need a root canal? In this blog, we’ll discuss five common symptoms that may indicate a tooth infection. Take a look, and see if you need to schedule a checkup at our office. 
‍

1. You’ve Got A Toothache That Won’t Go Away

Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something’s wrong. If you have a toothache that hurts for more than a day or two and continues to get worse, you may have a tooth infection and require a root canal. 

Toothaches happen because, as your tooth decays and begins to die, this affects the nerves within your tooth, causing pain and discomfort. But after your root canal, your pain will be completely relieved, which means you can get back to your day-to-day routine right away, without the discomfort and distraction of a toothache.
‍

2. Your Tooth Feels Sensitive To Heat, Cold, And Pressure

Tooth infections don’t always cause toothaches. But they can cause tooth sensitivity, too. Tooth sensitivity is usually the most obvious when you’re consuming very hot or very cold foods and beverages. If your tooth hurts when you eat ice cream or drink hot coffee, it could be infected, or have a very deep cavity that’s likely to become infected in the future.

You may also experience sensitivity when chewing or biting food, particularly tough or hard foods. This is another indicator that you may have an infected or decayed tooth.
‍

3. Your Tooth Looks Discolored

Extensive tooth decay usually causes tooth discoloration. If you look at your tooth, you may notice that it looks dark, black, brown, or gray. You may also be able to see visible holes or pits that indicate the presence of cavities. If you have a discolored tooth, contact Healthy Smiles Dentistry right away for a checkup.
‍

4. The Gum Tissue Near Your Tooth Are Discolored And/Or Swollen

When a tooth becomes infected, the bacteria within the tooth can spread into the nearby gum tissue. As a reaction to this, the gums near an infected tooth may look inflamed or swollen. They may also become discolored and look darker than your other gum tissue. 
‍

5. You’ve Chipped Or Cracked Your Tooth

If you chip or crack a tooth while eating, playing sports, or doing anything else, you may need to get a root canal. Damage to your tooth can expose the interior of the tooth to oral bacteria, which may infect the tooth and cause further problems.

But with a root canal and a dental crown, Dr. Doshi can restore the inside of your tooth, repair the outside, and ensure your smile always looks its best.
‍

Worried That You Need A Root Canal In Reston? Come To Healthy Smiles Dentistry!

If your tooth hurts or you notice any of the other signs mentioned above, you may need a root canal to restore your tooth. And at Healthy Smiles Dentistry, we offer expert treatment in a comfortable, judgment-free environment. We even offer same-day emergency dental care for most patients who need a root canal.

With a root canal from Dr. Doshi, you can get out of pain, get peace of mind, and get back to your day-to-day life. So don’t wait. Contact us now at (703) 915-7330 to schedule a consultation and get the treatment you need in Reston today.