There’s no need to be worried if your dentist prescribes root canal treatment to treat your diseased tooth. Millions of teeth are saved this way each year. Fatemi Family Dentistry, which has offices in Lexington Park and Gaithersburg, MD, offers a complete range of dental services. Our world-class dentist, Dr. Ali Fatemi, offers root canal treatments with a gentle touch. Here are five reasons to consider root canal therapy.

1. You have a toothache.

Have a toothache? A toothache is a sign that endodontic canal therapy is needed. The pain you feel is caused by an infection in the tooth. The pain may affect the quality of your sleep. Root canal treatment will alleviate your discomfort or pain and enhance your well-being. Root canals are nothing to fear. Most patients report that root canal treatment is no more painful than having a dental filling placed. 

2. You have a bump on your gum.

Have you noticed a bump on your gum? Don't worry – this is normal. A pimple-like bump that forms on the gum is a sign that root canal therapy is needed. The bump on your gum will often go away and then come back. If you notice a bump on your gum, you should see a Lexington Park and Gaithersburg professional for treatment.

3. Your gums are swollen.

Swelling around the gums or a tooth may indicate the need for root canal therapy. The swelling can range from very slight to very noticeable. Swelling isn't always accompanied by the presence of pain. The swelling will not disappear until you undergo a root canal treatment.

4. Cold and hot bother you.

Do cold and hot bother you? Tooth sensitivity causes pain when the area is exposed to cold or hot beverages and foods — or even by the air. Sensitive teeth can be caused by aggressive brushing and eating acidic foods. Sometimes tooth sensitivity is a sign that endodontic therapy is needed. If you have an infected tooth, your tooth sensitivity will go away after you undergo endodontic therapy.

5. You have a discolored tooth.

Tooth discoloration is common, particularly in those who drink coffee or use tobacco products. However, sometimes a darkened tooth is an indication that something's wrong with it. One severely discolored tooth may be a sign that a root canal is needed. Visit your dentist if you have a severely discolored tooth.

Don't put off a root canal if you need it. A root canal gives your tooth a second chance. Call Fatemi Family Dentistry to schedule a dental appointment in Lexington Park and Gaithersburg, MD. You have nothing to lose, except your toothache!