Five symptoms that may indicate you need a root canal procedure

The root canal procedure is a dental treatment performed at Las Cruces Dental Associates, PC in Las Cruces, New Mexico, if certain symptoms develop. This treatment is specifically designed to maintain the natural tooth structure and avoid the extraction of a natural adult tooth. Drs. Mario Samaniego, Jaime R. Gonzalez, and Faith Annelies Cortez can discuss symptoms you might need a root canal so you know what to contact your dentist about when it develops!

Five symptoms that may indicate you need a root canal procedure

1. A strong and ongoing toothache: A persistent toothache is often the first sign of needing a root canal procedure. This can be caused by an infection deep inside your tooth, leading to inflammation and sensitivity in the affected area. The pain may also worsen when you eat or drink something hot or cold and bite down on the affected tooth.
2. Swelling and tender gums: If you notice any swelling and tenderness in your gum tissues near the affected tooth, it might be a sign of an infection that has spread from the tooth’s root. This can result in discomfort and make it more difficult to brush or floss around the affected area.
3. Discoloration of the tooth: An infected tooth might appear darker than your other teeth, as the infection can damage and discolor the tooth’s inner layers.
4. Unpleasant breath or a bad taste in your mouth: These are common symptoms of an infected tooth, as bacteria and pus from the infection can produce a foul odor.
5. Fever and general malaise: An infected tooth can lead to a fever and feeling unwell in more severe cases. The infection has spread beyond the affected area and into the body, causing the immune system to respond with a fever.
6. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or jaw area: Swollen lymph nodes are another indication that your body is fighting off an infection, and they can result from an infected tooth.
7. Difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing: As the infection progresses, it can cause mild swelling in the surrounding tissues, making it challenging to open your mouth fully or swallow properly.
8. Swelling in your face or cheek: If the infection eventually spreads beyond the tooth’s root and into the surrounding tissue, it can lead to swelling in your face or cheek.
9. Headaches and earaches: In some situations, an infected tooth can cause referred pain, meaning you may experience headaches or earaches even though the source of the problem is in your tooth.

Where can I find out more about the Las Cruces, New Mexico root canal procedure?

Our team at Las Cruces Dental Associates, PC, believes in offering patients a selection of services to help them achieve and maintain oral health and wellness. If you are ready to discuss treatments with Drs. Mario Samaniego, Jaime R. Gonzalez, and Faith Annelies Cortez, call (575) 339-1838 to request an upcoming appointment at 2569 East Idaho Avenue.

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