7 Common Signs of Needing a Root Canal

When everything is going well with your teeth, the idea of a root canal might sound scary. The good news is that recognizing the signs early can help save the tooth, reduce discomfort, and avoid bigger problems later on. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is a good idea to see your dentist.

Here are some warning signs that may mean you need root canal treatment.

What’s Inside Your Tooth

Inside each tooth is a soft core called the tooth’s pulp, made up of connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves. When the pulp becomes infected or injured, it cannot heal itself. A dentist will need to do a root canal procedure that removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the area, then fills it to keep your natural tooth.

1. Persistent Tooth Pain

Pain that will not go away is one of the clearest signs. You may feel a dull ache, a sharp jolt when chewing, or constant throbbing even when you are not eating or touching the tooth. This pain often spreads to the jaw or face. If it keeps coming back, it could be an infection in the pulp that needs treating.

2. Sensitivity to Hot or Cold

Do you wince when sipping something hot like coffee, or when eating ice cream? If the tooth pain lingers after the hot or cold is gone, that is a red flag. Your nerves inside the tooth may be irritated from infection. This type of sensitivity is one of the classic symptoms that leads to root canals.

3. Tooth Discolouration

If you notice a tooth looking darker, grayish, or even just different in colour compared to others, it might be more than surface staining. Discolouration sometimes means the pulp inside is damaged or dead, losing its blood supply. It does not always mean a root canal, but it is a warning sign that you should get checked.

4. Swollen or Tender Gums

Gums around the affected tooth may swell, become soft, or feel tender when you touch them. You might see red or puffed up gum tissue or notice a small bump (abscess) that sometimes oozes. There could also be a bad taste or odour caused by infection in the pulp.

5. Pain When Biting or Pressure

Putting pressure on the tooth when biting, chewing, or even lightly touching it can cause sharp pain. That kind of discomfort is another strong sign that infection or damage is present in the root. Sometimes the ligament around the root becomes irritated as the pulp infection progresses.

6. Chipped or Cracked Tooth

A chip or crack in a tooth gives bacteria an entry point straight to the pulp. Even if the crack looks small, bacteria can still sneak in. Trauma or injuries can damage the nerves inside without obvious external signs. If this happens, a root canal may be needed to clean out the infected pulp and protect the rest of the tooth.

7. Tooth Mobility

If a tooth starts to feel loose for no clear reason, it could be more than normal wear or gum problems. The infection from an untreated pulp may damage surrounding bone or ligaments, causing the tooth to shift. That mobility is a sign the problem may be advanced.

What Happens During a Root Canal Procedure

When your dentist confirms you need treatment, the root canal procedure is designed to save the tooth. Here is what usually happens:

1. The dentist numbs the area so you do not feel pain.
2. They remove the infected pulp from inside the tooth’s root.
3. The inside is cleaned, disinfected, and sealed with a material to block bacteria.
4. Often, the tooth is restored with a crown to protect it, especially if it is a treated tooth that lost structure.

This allows you to keep your natural tooth, avoid spreading infection, and restore comfort.

How Good Oral Hygiene Helps Prevent Root Canals

Maintaining good oral hygiene is your first line of defense. Brushing and flossing daily, seeing your dentist regularly, and avoiding habits that damage enamel or allow bacteria to settle are all important. This helps prevent infections in the pulp before they require a root canal treatment.

When to See Your Dentist

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, do not wait. Ignoring them may mean losing the tooth entirely. A dental professional can assess the problem and treat it before it gets worse.

Final Thoughts

Root canal treatment might sound intimidating but knowing the warning signs such as persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, and discolouration, can help you act early. Acting early gives the best chance to save the tooth, avoid more invasive treatment, and keep a healthy, natural tooth for years to come.

At Knox Mountain Dentistry, we are here to guide you through every step of a root canal treatment or any other dental procedure you may need. If you think you may have an infected tooth or notice any of the symptoms listed above, contact us today.