5 Warning Signs You Need a Root Canal for Tooth Infection

Top 5 Signs You Need Root Canal Treatment

Are you dealing with a painful, decayed, or damaged tooth? Many people think pulling a tooth is an easy fix, but extraction can be more costly and may lead to further dental issues. At Beverly Hills Periodontics & Dental Implant Center, our team focuses on saving your natural teeth whenever possible. Root canal therapy is often the best way to treat an infected tooth, prevent complications, and keep your smile healthy.

How Does a Tooth Infection Start?

A tooth infection happens when bacteria enter the pulp inside your tooth. This can occur due to deep decay, cracks, or injury. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels, so infection here can cause severe pain and swelling. Left untreated, the infection may spread to your gums or jaw, leading to more serious health problems.

While antibiotics may help with minor infections, they often can’t reach deep inside the tooth. That’s why a root canal is needed to remove the infected tissue and stop the pain.

5 Warning Signs You May Need a Root Canal

• 1. Persistent Tooth Pain
  If you have constant or throbbing tooth pain, especially when chewing or applying pressure, it could be a sign of infection deep inside the tooth. This pain may disrupt your daily life, from eating to sleeping.
• 2. Sensitivity to Hot or Cold
  Do you feel sharp or lingering pain when you eat or drink something hot or cold? Lasting sensitivity, even after the temperature returns to normal, often points to nerve damage or infection in the pulp.
• 3. Swollen or Tender Gums
  Swelling, redness, or tenderness in the gums near a painful tooth is a classic sign of infection. Sometimes, you may notice a small bump or pimple on the gums, which could be a dental abscess.
• 4. Tooth Discoloration
  If a tooth suddenly turns dark or gray, it may mean the blood supply inside the tooth is compromised due to infection. This discoloration is a warning that the tooth pulp may be dying.
• 5. Bad Taste or Bad Breath
  Persistent bad breath or a foul taste, even after brushing and flossing, can signal pus from an infected tooth. This is a clear sign you need dental attention right away.

Why Timely Treatment Matters

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to serious complications. An untreated tooth infection can result in tooth loss, bone loss, or even life-threatening infections that spread to other parts of your body. Sometimes, the pain may go away if the nerve dies, but the infection will still be present and can cause more damage.

Root Canal Therapy vs. Tooth Extraction

Saving your natural tooth is almost always the best choice. Root canal therapy removes the infection and preserves your tooth structure, allowing you to chew and speak naturally. Tooth extraction may seem less expensive at first, but it often leads to the need for advanced treatments like Single Dental Implants, Dental Implant Bridges, or Implant Dentures to restore your smile.

Advanced Gum and Tooth Infection Solutions

At Beverly Hills Periodontics & Dental Implant Center, we offer a full range of services to treat and prevent tooth and gum infections. If your infection has affected your gums, our Periodontal Disease treatments and Laser Gum Surgery can help restore your oral health. For more advanced cases, we provide Osseous Surgery, Bone Grafting, and Soft Tissue Grafting to repair damage and prepare for future restorations.

We also offer Platelet Rich Fibrin therapy for enhanced healing, Periodontal Maintenance to keep your gums healthy, and Ozone Therapy for advanced infection control.

What Happens If You Need a Tooth Extraction?

In rare cases where a tooth cannot be saved, Tooth Extraction may be necessary. Our team will guide you through options for site preservation, such as Ridge Augmentation or Sinus Augmentation, to prepare for future implants and maintain your jawbone health.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Don’t ignore the warning signs of a tooth infection. Early treatment can save your tooth and protect your health. Contact Beverly Hills Periodontics & Dental Implant Center today to schedule an exam and discuss your best options for root canal therapy, gum treatment, or dental implants.

• Personalized care for every patient
• Advanced technology for gentle, effective treatment
• Comprehensive solutions for all stages of tooth and gum disease

Take the first step toward a healthier, pain-free smile. Contact us now to book your appointment!