The phrase “root canal” can make anyone feel a little anxious. For decades, it has been associated with pain and discomfort. But what many people don’t realize is that a root canal isn’t the cause of pain—it’s the solution. The real source of the pain is an infection deep inside the tooth’s pulp, and a root canal is a highly effective, pain-relieving procedure designed to save your natural tooth.

At Superior Dental Health of Lincoln, we want our patients to know that modern root canal therapy is a routine, comfortable procedure, and our team is dedicated to providing a gentle, reassuring experience from start to finish.

While many things can cause tooth pain, the pain associated with an infected pulp is distinct. It’s often a deep, throbbing ache that is constant and may even be strong enough to wake you up at night. The pain might be localized to one tooth, or it could radiate to your jaw, ear, or other parts of your face. This type of persistent, severe pain is a classic indicator that the nerve inside your tooth is likely infected or inflamed.

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Most people experience some sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures now and then. However, sensitivity that points to a needed root canal is different. It’s an intense flash of pain when your tooth is exposed to hot or cold, and it doesn’t go away immediately. If the pain from a hot coffee or cold water lasts for more than a few seconds, it’s a significant warning sign that the nerve is damaged.

An infection inside a tooth can create pus, which needs to drain somewhere. This can lead to noticeable swelling in the gums near the painful tooth. The area might be tender to the touch, and in some cases, the swelling can even be visible in your cheek or jaw. Swelling is a clear sign that an infection may be spreading, which is why our team at Superior Dental Health of Lincoln prioritizes appointments for patients with urgent symptoms like this.

Sometimes, the draining pus from an infection forms a recurring pimple-like bump on the gums. This might drain fluid, cause a bad taste in your mouth, and then seem to disappear, only to return later. This small bump, called a fistula, is a channel created by the infection to drain pus, and it is a definitive sign of an abscess that needs treatment.

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An infection in the tooth’s pulp can cut off the blood supply to the tooth, causing it to die. When this happens, the tooth may begin to look darker than the surrounding teeth, often taking on a grayish or blackish hue. A tooth that is dying from the inside out will often change color, even if there is no pain present.

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, please don’t wait. Contact Superior Dental Health of Lincoln today to schedule an evaluation. We are here to provide relief and restore your health.