Mission Viejo dentist explains the symptoms of needing a root canal treatment

If you have a toothache or a damaged tooth, you are probably wondering if you need root canal treatment. Many people ask us how to tell if the procedure will be necessary. Unfortunately, that cannot be determined based on symptoms alone. We need to perform a dental examination and diagnostic tests before determining the best treatment.

Noticeable symptoms

The most obvious sign that you may need a root canal treatment is pain, often throbbing. It may range from mild to severe, and it can be triggered by temperature, pressure, or even physical movement. You may also notice tenderness or swelling of the gums, which can become quite pronounced at times. Abscess pockets may form in the mouth, possibly causing swelling of the face or neck.

Other signs

You may not need a root canal procedure even if you experience the symptoms mentioned above. Other dental conditions can manifest with similar signs. Alternately, it is also possible to have damaged dental pulp in need of a root canal without any noticeable symptoms.

We will perform a comprehensive examination, likely including x-rays. Some of the signs that your dentist looks for include:

• Small bumps on the gums, which can indicate infection
• Bone damage, which is indicated on the x-ray by darkness at the tip of the root
• Undue darkness in a specific tooth can indicate degradation of the dental pulp inside of it

What you can do

The best way to avoid needing root canal treatment is to practice good oral hygiene, and have regular dental visits. However, although this will decrease your risk of problems, it is important to remember that root canal issues are not always the result of neglect. Injury, fractures associated with bruxism, and other factors can cause damage to the pulp.

If you have any signs of root canal problems, or any other dental concerns, call us right away. Most oral health problems are progressive, and they are likely to continue getting worse until you seek appropriate treatment. Call 949-427-2096 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alex or Nina Basti. Our state-of-the-art office is located in Mission Viejo.