What Are The Signs You Need A Root Canal?

What Are The Signs You Need A Root Canal?

Signs you need a root canal

March 13, 2025

Root Canal Treatment

Unusual sensitivity, constant toothache, or swollen gums are all the symptoms of a more serious dental problem rather than just minor uneasiness. When your tooth’s inner pulp gets infected or irritated, getting a root canal becomes necessary.

However, how can you tell if you require one? Let’s examine the main signs that signal towards one and the need for prompt treatment.

Top Symptoms That Ask For A Root Canal Treatment

1. Chronic Tooth Pain: A Warning Sign

  • Does your tooth ache sharply, throbbingly, or persistently?
  • Does applying pressure or chewing make the discomfort worse?
  • Does the pain come and go but always come back?

One of the most obvious signs for a root canal is constant pain. It typically indicates an infection or inflammation of the nerve inside your tooth.

2. Heat and Cold Sensitivity: Not Just a Tiny Affect

  • Do your teeth hurt when you drink hot coffee or cold ice cream?
  • Does the discomfort last for a few seconds, or perhaps minutes?
  • Does the sensitivity get worse with time?

A damaged tooth’s nerves can be the cause of your ongoing discomfort after eating hot or cold meals. In order to remove the diseased pulp and erase the pain, a root canal is required.

3. Tender or Swollen Gums: An Unwanted Symptom

  • Do you have puffy, inflamed, or red gums around a particular tooth?
  • Does your gum line have a little lump, or abscess?
  • Are your gums sore or sensitive to the touch?

Deep infections are often detected by swelling surrounding a tooth. It can spread to nearby tissues and cause major problems if a root canal treatment in Fenton is not received.

4. Discoloration of the Teeth: Red Flag Not To Avoid

  • Has one of your teeth become brown, gray, or dark yellow?
  • Does the damaged tooth look lifeless in contrast to the others?
  • Have you observed a steady change in your tooth’s color?

Discolored tooth is also a sign of trauma or decay-related nerve injury. At that time, a root canal is required if the nerve is dead, to stop further harm. 

5. A Cracked or Chipped Tooth: More Than Just Aesthetic Damage

  • Have you recently cracked or chipped a tooth from an injury or accident?
  • Did your tooth suddenly break while chewing hard food?
  • Do you feel pain or sensitivity after the damage occurred?

A broken tooth exposes the inner pulp to bacteria, which can lead to infection. This treatment can be necessary to save the tooth and prevent an abscess.

Importance of Timely Treatment

According to the American Association of Endodontists, over 15 million root canals are performed each year in the U.S., helping patients avoid tooth loss and further complications.

Ignoring the signs of a root canal can lead to severe infections, abscesses, and even tooth loss. Seeking early treatment can save your tooth and eliminate pain.

Listen to Your Teeth!

If you’re going through continuous pain, swelling, or sensitivity, don’t wait—these are key signs that ask for a root canal treatment. Ignoring the problems can lead to serious infections and costly treatments down the road.

A quick visit to our dentist will determine if this procedure is the best solution for you. If you’re feeling any of these symptoms, then schedule an appointment today.