Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Cavities occur when the enamel of your teeth wears away due to plaque and bacteria. With routine dental cleanings, your dentist will be able to detect early formations of cavities and either fix them or give patients instructions on how to prevent the “soft spot” from turning into a cavity in the future. Without routine dental cleanings or proper dental hygiene, cavities can proliferate and reach a point that your dentist will need to perform endodontic therapy.

Endodontic therapy, also known as a root canal, is performed when the inside of the tooth — called the pulp — is infected due to tooth decay. If you suspect you have a cavity, there are a few signs you should look for that may result in your dentist needing to perform a root canal.

Instances When a Root Canal is Needed

• Localized pain around the suspected tooth. This pain can range from sharp and intense to dull and throbbing and is often triggered by chewing. It all depends on the individual. The pain may go away intermittently but if it lasts longer than a week you should schedule an appointment with your dentist.
• Swelling, tenderness, or infection of the surrounding gumline. Although this may be mistaken for gum disease, swelling and tenderness of the gums could be a sign that the nearby tooth is in trouble. The gums may become red and the swelling almost always occurs where the tooth’s root is located.
• Illness, fatigue, fever or swollen lymph nodes may occur. These symptoms will usually accompany any of the two symptoms mentioned above and warrant a call to your dentist or primary care physician. Illness and fatigue are signs of an infection somewhere, and patients will often note that the swollen lymph nodes are around the neck area.

Additional Considerations

Keep in mind that every patient’s symptoms are different, which is why we highly recommend contacting our professional Chicago area dentists for a thorough assessment. Some individuals may not experience any symptoms and in this instance only a dentist with a trained eye can spot the signs of needing a root canal. If you suspect you have a cavity, please schedule an appointment with our Chicago area dental office.