Root Canal Treatment Specialist Serving Chula Vista, San Diego CA

Several signs and symptoms indicate it may be time to go in for a root canal. Symptoms to look for include:

• Severe Pain — Any type of oral pain is unpleasant and should be brought to a dentist’s attention, but certain types of pain may signify root canal pain. This includes sudden tooth pain that comes in quickly and abruptly; certain positions cause the gums or tooth to hurt worse, and pressure on the tooth and face when lying or bending down.
• Bumps on the Gums — If there are any bumps on the gums, it could be a sign of an infected tooth needing a root canal. These pimple-like bumps are known as fistulae (singular, fistula).
• Sensitivity to Hot and Cold — While temperature sensitivity is not always indicative of a root canal, the type of sensitivity associated with root canal pain typically lingers longer after the food and drink is consumed.
• Swollen Gums — Another sign of an infected tooth is swollen and sensitive gums. This is different from the inflammation that can occur after flossing or brushing too vigorously; the gums are swollen, tender, and painful to the touch.
• Darkening of the Gums — If the gums become darkened, it is a sign that they are decayed. If there is an infection and the tooth is dying, the gums will begin to decay, a telltale sign that a root canal is needed.
• Chipped or Cracked Tooth — A chipped or cracked tooth is a two-fold sign that a tooth may need a root canal. First, a chipped or cracked tooth can lead to inflammation and infection; second, the tooth may have cracked or chipped because it is weakened by decay. Either way, a root canal will likely be necessary to save the remainder of the tooth.
• Tender Gums — If the gums are tender to the touch, or even without touch, it may be caused by root canal pain.
• An Abscess — An abscess is something that will be seen on an X-ray as a dark spot; it can occur on the gums adjacent to the teeth, or at the tooth root tip.

Three stages of root canal treatment include:

• Stage 1: Removal of Dead Nerve and Infected Tissues — After cleaning out the infected root nerve, the bacteria in the canal are reduced with an antibiotic. Symptoms usually subside afterward.
• Stage 2: Further Shaping and Cleansing of the Canals — The remaining debris is cleaned out of the root canal; in some cases, the root canal must be reshaped before being filled in with an inert, biocompatible material.
• Stage 3: Filling the Canals — The final step in completing the treatment includes filling the canals with an inert material. After a permanent filling restores the tooth and its structural integrity, a crown can be placed on it. 

Root canal treatment offers significant benefits, including:

• Prevents infection
• Prevents tooth extraction
• Provides aesthetically pleasing results
• Preserves the jawbone 

If a tooth becomes inflamed or infected, it is necessary to have endodontic or root canal treatment to preserve the tooth. This is because the inflammation or infection indicates underlying oral health problems and can develop into further complications if not addressed, such as loss of a tooth or spreading the infection to other areas of the body. Endodontic treatment restores the tooth to good health, so it can function properly and maintain a healthy and natural appearance. 

If you need a root canal, trust the professionals at 3rd Avenue Complete Family Dental to provide you with a higher level of care. For more information, contact us, or request an appointment online today! We are located at 3330 3rd Avenue Suite 302 San Diego, CA 92103. We serve patients from San Diego CA, Chula Vista CA, National City CA, Lemon Grove CA, El Cajon CA, La Mesa CA, and surrounding areas.