Pain is your body’s warning sign. It’s a way for your internal alarm system to signal: hey, we need help! Having said that, no one wants to get a root canal. They have a reputation for being extremely painful. However, the reason this procedure has acquired such a fearsome reputation is that many people who need a root canal come to the dentist in severe pain due to an infected tooth. The procedure itself is comfortable with modern tools and pain relief techniques.
Infected root canal symptoms:
- Persistent pain—often a throbbing toothache
- Tooth discoloration
- Swelling or inflamed gums
- Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
- Tender or swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling in the face or neck
- A whitish bump on the gums
- Extreme sensitivity to touch
When Should You Seek Care?
How do you know when it’s time to make an appointment in Bellevue, NE, with a root canal dentist? The need for a root canal stems from a bacterial infection deep within your tooth’s pulp. If you’re dealing with severe, consistent pain that’s disrupting your sleep, daily life, and/or have facial or neck swelling, you may have an infection that needs immediate attention.
An infection can become severe, spread throughout your body, and lead to serious medical issues. It’s very important that you see a dentist if you’re having these symptoms.
How Your Dentist Makes a Diagnosis
Let’s imagine that you decide to make an appointment for a root canal consultation in Bellevue, NE. You’ll get a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, which will help your dentist plan out a course of treatment. The evaluation might include:
- Checking for swelling in the gums
- Gently tapping your tooth
- Checking sensitivity to hot and cold
- Imaging, such as X-rays
If the exam indicates that you need a root canal, you’ll be scheduled for an appointment.
Treatment Next Steps
If you do need a root canal, you can rest assured that you’re in great hands at Kennedy Dental. Our team of experienced dentists and specialists will do everything they can to make your procedure as peaceful and painless as possible.
Root canals are done to remove infected material. To do this, we use advanced rotary endodontic technology, which makes the procedure more comfortable than when dentists used old-school tools.
If you have dental anxiety, don’t let it stop you from getting your infected tooth taken care of. We offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) so that you can relax during your procedure. If that’s not enough to quell your anxiety, our dentists can prescribe you oral sedation beforehand.
The Best Root Canal Dentist Near Bellevue, NE
If you’re experiencing pain and are concerned you might need a root canal, please don’t wait until your symptoms worsen. Please call us, and we’ll schedule a root canal consultation in Bellevue, NE. Keep in mind that root canals themselves are not the cause of pain. Your infected tooth is the source of the pain. A root canal will relieve it. Early intervention prevents the infection from spreading and preserves your natural tooth structure.