5 Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Root canals are routine dental treatments that can save teeth from needing to be removed. If a tooth is infected or inflamed, you are at risk of needing an extraction. 

Fortunately, a root canal can save it. The root canal procedure removes the soft inner tissue, including the nerve, from the affected tooth. 

At BH Dental NY in Morningside Heights and Harlem in New York City, experienced dentist Leslie Azran, DDS, and the team perform root canals to save your natural tooth. 

After removing the compromised pulp, Leslie and the team fill and seal the tooth before eventually crowning it for further protection. Once treatment is complete, you can once again bite, chew, and speak without tooth pain. 

If you have a tooth that needs a root canal, don’t wait until symptoms worsen. Get in touch with BH Dental NY if you experience these five signs of an infected tooth: 

1. Tooth pain or sensitivity

Intense tooth pain is a major sign that something is wrong. When the inside of a tooth is infected, you’ll feel pain when you bite or chew. In many cases, the pain is widespread across your jaw and face. 

Infected teeth are often sensitive to touch, sweetness, and hot or cold temperatures. Call our office if your tooth pain increases with any of these factors.

2. Black or gray discoloration

Tooth discoloration that is yellow, tan, or brown is likely from food, tobacco, or poor hygiene. You can easily lighten it with a whitening treatment. 

Gray or black tooth staining is more alarming. This type is called intrinsic staining, starting inside the tooth rather than on the enamel. 

A gray tooth indicates that the nerve inside the tooth is dead and you need a root canal. Black discoloration tells you that the tooth is severely decayed. 

3. “Pimples” on your gums

You might notice tiny bumps appearing on the gums near a damaged tooth. These little “pimples” are a sign that one of your teeth is infected. In some cases, these bumps ooze pus or fluid that can make your breath stink. 

4. Visible chips or cracks

Outer tooth trauma can be a sign of inner tooth trauma. Although not all infected teeth have visible outer damage, let our team know if you chip or crack a tooth so we can check for potential infection.

Many times, the damage is cosmetic only. In that case, Dr. Azran and our team can discuss cosmetic treatment options like veneers or dental bonding. 

5. Gum swelling and tenderness

Swollen and tender gums are often signs of gum disease. However, they can also point to a tooth infection. 

When you visit BH Dental NY, Dr. Azran and our team might use a dental X-ray to examine your teeth and determine what’s causing your swollen gums. We also consider your other symptoms, such as tooth sensitivity. 

Do you need a root canal? 

If you experience any of these five symptoms, don’t hesitate to call BH Dental NY or book an appointment online.