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  2. Milpitas Dental Group

Milpitas Dental Group

30Jun 2025

Do I Need a Root Canal? Signs, Symptoms, and When to Call Your Dentist

When it comes to saving a severely damaged or infected tooth, a root canal can make all the difference. While the phrase might strike fear in some patients, the truth is root canals are safe, effective, and often no more uncomfortable than getting a regular filling.

At Milpitas Dental Group, we want to help you understand the warning signs of serious dental issues—and when a root canal might be the best option to preserve your natural tooth.

how a root canal works

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a dental procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp (the soft tissue inside your tooth) to prevent further infection, pain, or tooth loss. Once the pulp is removed, the space is cleaned, disinfected, and filled with a special material, then sealed and restored—often with a dental crown.

Signs You Might Need a Root Canal

You may not always know that your tooth is in trouble, but there are some common signs to look out for:

🔥 1. Persistent Tooth Pain

Ongoing pain—especially deep in the tooth or jaw—can be a major red flag. The pain may come and go, or feel worse when chewing or applying pressure.

🧊 2. Sensitivity to Hot or Cold

If your tooth hurts when you drink coffee or eat ice cream, and the pain lingers long after, it could mean the pulp inside your tooth is damaged.

😷 3. Swollen or Tender Gums

Swelling, tenderness, or even a small pimple-like bump (dental abscess) on the gums can signal infection near the root.

🌫️ 4. Discolored Tooth

A tooth that has become gray or dark may be a sign that the pulp inside is dying due to trauma or infection.

🦷 5. Cracked or Chipped Tooth

An injury—even a small chip—can expose the pulp to bacteria, increasing the risk of infection and the need for a root canal.

Common Scenario Example

Case: Sarah from Fremont
Sarah came into our Milpitas office complaining of lingering pain after drinking iced tea. She also noticed her back molar had darkened slightly. After an exam and X-ray, we found infection in the pulp of the tooth. A root canal relieved her pain and saved the tooth—no extraction needed!

FAQs About Root Canals

❓ Is a root canal painful?

Most patients report that a root canal feels similar to getting a filling. With modern anesthesia, you’ll feel little to no discomfort during the procedure.

❓ How long does a root canal take?

Most root canals can be completed in one or two visits, depending on the tooth and the extent of infection.

❓ What happens if I don’t get a root canal?

Delaying treatment can lead to severe infection, tooth loss, or spread of bacteria to surrounding areas, including your jaw or bloodstream.

❓ Will I need a crown after a root canal?

In most cases, yes—especially for back teeth. A crown helps restore the tooth’s strength and function after treatment.

Serving Milpitas, San Jose, Fremont & Beyond

If you’re in Milpitas, San Jose, Fremont, Union City, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, or Alviso and think you might need a root canal, don’t wait. Early treatment can save your tooth—and your smile.

🦷 Schedule your appointment today with Milpitas Dental Group. We’re here to make root canals as stress-free and comfortable as possible!

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30Jun 2025

Mid-Year Dental Checkup Reminder: Use Your Insurance Benefits Before You Lose Them!

It’s officially the middle of the year—and if you haven’t scheduled your dental checkup yet, now is the perfect time to do it. At Milpitas Dental Group, we’re sending out a friendly reminder that your oral health—and your dental insurance benefits—won’t wait forever.

Why Mid-Year Matters

Let’s face it: life gets busy. Between summer vacations, back-to-school prep, and juggling work and family, your dental checkup can easily fall off the calendar. But skipping your routine cleaning and exam could cost you in the long run—both financially and health-wise.

Most dental insurance plans cover two preventive visits per year, including:

  • A comprehensive oral exam
  • Professional cleaning
  • X-rays (as needed)
  • Gum health check
  • Personalized treatment plan (if any issues are found)

If you haven’t used your first cleaning yet—or it’s been more than six months since your last visit—you’re likely leaving benefits on the table.

Use It, Don’t Lose It

Here’s the truth: most dental insurance plans reset at the end of the year. That means any unused benefits from the first half of the year may be lost if you don’t act soon. You’ve paid for your coverage—why not take full advantage?

And if you’re in the middle of a treatment plan or need follow-up work (like a filling or crown), catching it early means you can space out appointments before your benefits reset.

Summer Is the Best Time to Book

Summer is one of the most convenient times to come in for a checkup—especially for families:

  • Kids are out of school
  • Work schedules may be lighter
  • You’ll beat the back-to-school and holiday rush

Our Milpitas dental office offers flexible scheduling, and we’re happy to find an appointment that works for you.

Early Detection = Big Savings

A small cavity today could turn into a root canal by next year. Regular checkups allow us to catch issues early—while they’re still simple (and more affordable) to treat.

Your mid-year exam helps us:

  • Spot cavities before they spread
  • Monitor gum health to prevent periodontal disease
  • Catch signs of grinding or bite issues
  • Check for oral cancer and other serious conditions

We Accept Most Insurance Plans

Milpitas Dental Group works with many major insurance providers, and we’ll help you understand your coverage so there are no surprises. If you’re unsure what your plan includes, just call our office—we’re happy to assist.

No insurance? Ask about our affordable out-of-pocket pricing and payment options.

🦷 Ready to Book Your Mid-Year Checkup?

Call us today at Milpitas Dental Group or use our online form to schedule your visit. Our friendly team serves families from Milpitas, San Jose, Fremont, Sunnyvale, Union City, Mountain View, and surrounding areas.

Protect your smile. Maximize your benefits. Get ahead of dental issues now—before the busy fall season hits.

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