Tooth pain has a way of stopping everything.

If you’re in Orange, CA and wondering whether your discomfort is “just sensitivity” or something more serious, you’re not alone. Many patients delay care because they hope the pain will fade. Unfortunately, when the inner pulp of a tooth becomes infected, it won’t heal on its own.

A root canal isn’t something to fear — it’s a way to save your natural tooth and eliminate infection before it spreads.

Here are seven warning signs that may indicate you need a root canal.

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What Is a Root Canal — and Why Does It Matter?

Inside every tooth is soft tissue called pulp. This pulp contains nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria reach this inner chamber due to decay, cracks, or trauma, infection can develop.

A root canal removes the infected pulp, disinfects the area, and seals the tooth to prevent further damage.

Modern root canal therapy is comfortable, precise, and highly successful. Most patients say it feels similar to getting a filling.

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1. Persistent Tooth Pain

If your tooth hurts constantly — especially without stimulation — this may indicate pulp inflammation or infection.

Pain may:

• Throb or pulse

• Worsen when lying down

• Radiate into your jaw or ear

• Intensify when chewing

Pain that lingers more than a day or two should never be ignored.

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2. Sensitivity to Hot or Cold That Lingers

Temporary sensitivity is common. But if you drink coffee or ice water and the pain lingers for 30 seconds or longer, that’s different.

Lingering sensitivity often signals nerve involvement. When the pulp becomes inflamed, temperature changes can trigger sharp, prolonged discomfort.

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3. Swollen or Tender Gums

An infected tooth can cause inflammation in surrounding gum tissue.

You may notice:

• Swelling near a specific tooth

• Tenderness when touching the area

• A small pimple-like bump (abscess)

An abscess is your body’s attempt to drain infection — and it requires immediate attention.

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4. Tooth Discoloration

A tooth that suddenly darkens or turns gray may indicate internal damage.

When pulp tissue dies, it can affect the tooth’s color from the inside. This is especially common after trauma or untreated decay.

Discoloration paired with pain or swelling increases the likelihood of needing root canal therapy.

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5. Pain When Chewing or Biting

If you feel sharp pain when biting down, the infection may be affecting the root tip or surrounding bone.

Pressure sensitivity often indicates inflammation extending beyond the pulp chamber.

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6. Cracked or Chipped Tooth

Even small cracks can allow bacteria to enter the pulp.

If you’ve:

• Cracked a tooth

• Had dental trauma

• Experienced a sports injury

• Broken a large filling

You may be at risk for infection — even if pain isn’t immediate.

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7. A Deep Cavity

Advanced decay can reach the pulp chamber.

When bacteria penetrate deeply into the tooth, a root canal is often necessary to remove infection and preserve the structure.

Ignoring deep cavities can lead to:

• Severe infection

• Bone loss

• Tooth extraction

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From Tooth Pain to Tooth Preservation: The Local Care Path

When patients search “root canal in Orange, CA,” they’re not just looking for treatment. They’re looking for relief — and reassurance.

Here’s what that journey typically looks like:

Step 1: Diagnosis

Digital X-rays and clinical evaluation determine whether the pulp is infected.

Step 2: Gentle Treatment

We remove the infected tissue, disinfect the canals, and seal the tooth.

Step 3: Restoration

A crown is typically placed to restore strength and protect the tooth long term.

The goal isn’t just to stop pain — it’s to preserve your natural tooth whenever possible.

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Why Early Treatment Matters

Delaying a root canal can allow infection to spread beyond the tooth.

Untreated infection may lead to:

• Abscess formation

• Jawbone damage

• Facial swelling

• Systemic complications

According to the American Association of Endodontists, over 15 million root canals are performed annually in the U.S., and the success rate exceeds 95% when treated promptly.

The earlier we intervene, the simpler and more comfortable the treatment.

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Common Myths About Root Canals

“Root canals are painful.”

Modern techniques and local anesthesia make treatment comfortable. In fact, root canals relieve pain — they don’t cause it.

“Extraction is easier.”

Saving your natural tooth is almost always preferable to extraction and replacement.

“Pain will go away on its own.”

Infected pulp cannot heal naturally. Temporary relief may occur — but the infection remains.

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When to Call a Dentist in Orange, CA

If you’re experiencing:

• Ongoing tooth pain

• Swelling

• Prolonged sensitivity

• Gum abscess

• Tooth discoloration

It’s time to schedule an evaluation.

Even if it turns out not to require a root canal, diagnosing early protects your long-term oral health.

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Local Care You Can Trust

At Dr. Russell Kelly, DDS in Orange, CA, we prioritize patient comfort, conservative care, and clear communication.

Root canal therapy is a tooth-saving procedure. Our focus is always preserving what nature gave you whenever possible.

If you’re unsure whether your symptoms require treatment, let’s take a look. Early answers bring peace of mind.

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Call Today for Root Canal Evaluation in Orange, CA

Dr. Russell Kelly, DDS
Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in Orange, CA

Call (714) 563-4174
Visit the office at 951 N Tustin St, Orange, CA 92867

Prompt care can make all the difference.