Tooth pain can be alarming—but not all discomfort is created equal. Some dental symptoms may indicate a deeper problem that won’t go away on its own. One of the most common restorative procedures to treat serious tooth infections is root canal therapy. While it might sound intimidating, a root canal can actually save your natural tooth and relieve long-term pain.
Knowing the warning signs can help you catch the problem early and avoid complications like abscesses, bone loss, or even tooth extraction.
Here are the top symptoms that may mean you need a root canal—and why seeing a dentist promptly is essential.
1. Persistent or Throbbing Tooth Pain
A dull ache is one thing—but sharp, ongoing pain could signal that the pulp inside your tooth is inflamed or infected. If the pain doesn’t subside or gets worse when lying down or eating, you may be dealing with an issue that requires endodontic treatment.
In many cases, the pain may radiate to your jaw, ear, or face. That’s a clear sign the infection is spreading and needs immediate attention.
2. Sensitivity to Hot or Cold That Lingers
Do you cringe every time you sip coffee or eat ice cream? If the sensitivity lasts longer than a few seconds after exposure to hot or cold temperatures, it could indicate nerve damage or pulp inflammation.
Temporary sensitivity is common, but ongoing discomfort may point to deeper dental decay or infection requiring root canal therapy.
3. Swollen, Tender, or Bleeding Gums
Gum tissue around an infected tooth may become red, swollen, or even start to bleed. You might also notice a small white bump near the base of the tooth—this is a dental abscess, which forms when pus builds up as a result of bacterial infection.
Infections like this will not heal on their own and often require drainage, antibiotics, and root canal treatment to fully resolve.
4. Tooth Darkening or Discoloration
If one of your teeth starts to turn gray or black, it could be a sign that the inner tissue is dying. Trauma, untreated cavities, or deep decay can all result in a loss of blood flow to the tooth, leading to discoloration.
This symptom is often overlooked but is a strong indicator that the pulp inside the tooth may be dead or infected.
5. Pain When Chewing or Touching the Tooth
If it hurts to bite down or even lightly tap on a specific tooth, you may have inflammation or infection in the root. This kind of pain usually gets worse over time and may be accompanied by pressure or a feeling of heaviness around the tooth.
It can also be a sign of cracked tooth syndrome, which often requires root canal treatment to save the tooth.
6. A Cracked, Chipped, or Loose Tooth
Cracks or chips expose the sensitive inner layers of the tooth to bacteria. Even if there’s no immediate pain, damage to the enamel can quickly lead to infection.
In some cases, the tooth may become loose, especially if the surrounding bone is weakened by the infection.
Why Prompt Treatment Matters
Ignoring these symptoms increases your risk of severe infection, tooth loss, and complications that require more extensive (and expensive) treatment. The good news? Root canal treatment is highly effective, relatively quick, and far more comfortable than many patients expect.
If you’re experiencing any of these warning signs, don’t wait. A dentist can use digital imaging and clinical exams to determine whether a root canal is needed—or if another treatment option will work better. Early intervention can mean the difference between saving and losing your tooth.
Experiencing any of these symptoms? Contact us to find out if root canal therapy is the right solution for you.
