A persistent toothache, a change in the way your tooth looks, or frequent sensitivity could mean you may need a root canal. Root canals performed by your Galloway, NJ, dentists, Dr. Bhavin Patel, and Dr. Kevin Carey save infected or inflamed teeth by removing the pulp and replacing it with a durable filling.

Do you have any of these root canal symptoms?

It's not always easy to tell if your tooth symptoms are caused by an infection or inflammation in your tooth pulp. Fortunately, after an examination at the Galloway dental office, you'll receive a diagnosis and treatment plan for your symptoms. If you need a root canal, you may experience:

• Pain in your Tooth: Pain can be severe if you have an inflammation or infection, but even mild pain may be a sign of trouble. Let your dentist know if you frequently have tooth pain, even if it seems to come and go. If your pain is caused by pulp inflammation or infection, you may notice that the pain worsens when you chew or press on the tooth.
• Sensitivity: Tooth sensitivity may be another sign that you need a root canal. Sensitivity can occur when eating or drinking hot, cold, or sugary beverages and can last as long as 30 minutes after you finish your meal or drink.
• Darker Color: The changes occurring deep inside your pulp may cause your tooth to darken. Without a root canal, you may be in danger of losing your tooth. Luckily, the treatment will preserve your tooth and end your pain.
• Red Gums: Your gums may also be affected if you have an inflammation or infection. A sore, red gum around a tooth is always a cause for concern.
• A Dental Abscess: It's usually hard to ignore dental abscesses. They can cause severe, throbbing pain, and plenty of other unpleasant symptoms, including swollen lymph nodes, fever, facial swelling, pimples on your gum, or pus around your tooth. The bacterial infection responsible for the abscess can make you feel sick and lethargic. If you have abscess symptoms, you'll need to schedule an emergency dental appointment to save your tooth and treat your abscess. Without prompt treatment, the infection can spread to your heart, brain, or other organs.

Don't let root canal symptoms put your tooth in jeopardy! Call your dentist in Galloway, NJ, Drs. Bhavin Patel and Kevin Carey, at (609) 652-9020 to schedule your appointment.