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Do I Need a Root Canal?

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Do you know the warning signs that can occur if you need a root canal? Recognizing the signs can help you ensure that you receive

prompt treatment for your problem tooth. Rancho Mirage, CA, dentists Dr. Ray Cros and Dr. Sheri Cros of Cros Dental provide Root canal therapy and other treatments that relieve pain and protect your smile.

Does your tooth hurt?

Pain is always a warning sign, yet we often ignore it, hoping it will subside. While minor aches and pains in your muscles do go away without any treatment, the same isn’t true for dental pain. If you have pain in a tooth, there is something wrong. Ignoring it can lead to a serious dental problem and extensive dental work.

Make an appointment with your Rancho Mirage dentist even if your pain is fairly mild or isn’t constant. You may only need a filling or might require root canal therapy due to an inflammation or infection in your tooth pulp.

Does your pain increase under certain circumstances?

If you have an inflammation or infection, hot or cold foods and beverages may increase pain. Sensitivity can remain heightened for as long as 30 minutes after you drink a glass of ice water or eat a forkful of hot mashed potatoes. Pressure may also worsen pain, which can make eating a particularly unpleasant experience.

Does your tooth or gum look different?

It’s not unusual for your tooth to darken or your gum to swell, redden or hurt if you need root canal therapy. Gum changes should always be examined, as they can be a sign of gum disease, a condition that can lead to tooth loss if it’s not treated.

Is your face swollen, or do you feel sick?

Symptoms can develop quickly if you have a dental abscess. You may wake up in the middle of the night with severe, throbbing pain and notice that your face is swollen in the morning. The bacterial infection can also make you feel awful and cause lymph node swelling. Pus may form around the tooth, or you might notice that a pimple has suddenly appeared on the gum next to the tooth. Abscesses are emergencies and require treatment with antibiotics to prevent the infection from worsening and spreading.

Do you have any of these symptoms? Call Rancho Mirage, CA, dentists Dr. Ray Cros and Dr. Sheri Cros of Cros Dental at (760) 444-3202 to schedule your appointment.