How Can You Tell If You Need a Root Canal?

A root canal is a common dental procedure used to save an infected tooth and relieve tooth pain. Modern root canal treatment is safe, effective, and virtually painless.

Are you experiencing tooth pain or sensitivity and wondering how can you tell if you need a root canal? This guide will cover root canal symptoms to watch for and how this procedure can save an infected tooth.

 

Quick Summary

• Ongoing or severe tooth pain is one of the major signs you need a root canal
• Other tooth infection symptoms include swelling, tooth discolouration, and prolonged sensitivity
• A root canal relieves pain and preserves your natural tooth
• Ignoring tooth pain or other tooth infection symptoms can lead to serious complications
• Early diagnosis prevents infection from spreading and often leads to a better outcome
• Root canal treatment is a common procedure that can be virtually painless
• See a dentist promptly if root canal symptoms persist

 

What Is a Root Canal and Why Is It Needed?

A root canal is a dental treatment that removes inflamed or infected pulp to save the natural tooth. Root canals are usually needed when severe decay or trauma reaches the inner nerve of a tooth.

 

Common Signs You May Need a Root Canal

Common root canal symptoms may include:

• Persistent Toothache or Throbbing Pain: Ongoing tooth pain is one of the main possible signs you need a root canal. A persistent toothache or throbbing pain may indicate infection within the tooth pulp.
• Lingering Sensitivity to Hot or Cold: If you dread drinking ice water or eating a bowl of stew, this tooth sensitivity may indicate an issue. When nerves and blood vessels get damaged in teeth, it can cause sensitivity. If your teeth feel sensitive even after you stop eating or drinking, this is especially worrisome.  Learn more about tooth sensitivity causes and treatments in my guide here: Tooth Sensitivity
• Darkening or Discolouration of the Tooth: This is one of the signs you need a root canal which often appears if you ignore the infection for too long. Darkening or discolouration of the tooth can occur when the pulp dies.
• Swelling in the Face or Jaw: Facial or jaw swelling may signal that the infection has spread beyond the tooth.
• A Small Pimple or Bump on the Gums: A small pimple or bump on the gums, also called a dental abscess, is another possible sign of infection. Learn more here: Tooth Abscess.
• Swollen or Tender Gums: Gum swelling may indicate periodontitis, but it could also be one of the signs you need a root canal. Gum swelling or tenderness could indicate the presence of an infection that requires root canal treatment..
• Chipped or Cracked Teeth: Biting down too hard or getting hit in the mouth can crack or chip a tooth. Left untreated, bacteria can enter the damaged area and lead to an infection. If you’ve cracked or chipped your tooth, learn about treatment options here: Cracked Teeth.
• Severe Decay: Left untreated, tooth decay can damage the tooth’s inner pulp. A root canal may be the only way to save the tooth.
• Looseness: An infected tooth may feel slightly loose.

If you notice any of these signs you need a root canal, I recommend booking an appointment with a dentist. Seeing your dentist is the only way to confirm if you need a root canal or another treatment.

 

Root Canal vs. Regular Toothache – What’s the Difference?

A toothache is one of the main signs you need a root canal. However, tooth pain can also be caused by a cavity, gum disease, a damaged filling, or another issue.

So how can you tell if you need a root canal versus a temporary toothache? I tell my patients that the duration and intensity of the toothache are big clues.

Toothaches from teeth grinding or cavities are usually mild and temporary. Root canal pain is more severe or persistent. Often, my patients find that root canal pain wakes them up at night or throbs constantly during the day.

If you’ve had tooth pain for more than a few days, I recommend seeing your dentist right away.

What Happens If You Delay Treatment?

Early treatment of tooth pain often means less discomfort and faster recovery. Alternatively, ignoring ongoing tooth pain can lead to serious complications, including:

• Spreading infection
• Worsening root canal symptoms, including pain
• Bite changes
• Severe facial swelling
• Difficulty speaking or chewing
• Bone loss
• Losing the infected tooth

 

What to Expect During a Root Canal

After over a decade in practice, I’d say the root canal is the most misunderstood dental treatment.

With such a fearsome reputation, I’m not surprised when my patients are worried about a root canal. Many of my patients mention they feel better once I describe how straightforward and virtually painless root canal treatment is.

Here is what to expect during root canal treatment:

• I use a local anaesthetic to fully numb the area and ensure a comfortable, pain-free procedure

• The infected pulp is removed and the area is cleaned and disinfected
• The tooth is sealed and restored with a filling or crown
• Root canal recovery is usually fairly simple. You may feel some tenderness or soreness for the first few days after the root canal.

Learn more about what to expect during a root canal here: Do Root Canals Hurt?

 

When to See a Dentist

Seek dental care immediately for:

• Tooth pain that persists for more than a few days
• Facial or jaw swelling
• Discolouration or darkening of a tooth
• Persistent sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
• A cracked, chipped, or damaged tooth
• Gum tenderness or swelling around a sore tooth
• A tooth abscess on the gums surrounding the affected tooth
• A loose tooth
• Severe decay

Along with knowing when to seek Emergency Dental Care, I recommend attending regular dental checkups. General Checkups can help detect and address infections early before symptoms can worsen.

 

Why Choose Genesis Dental for Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is an effective option for saving an infected tooth and getting rid of tooth pain. 

I’m committed to changing the reputation surrounding root canal treatment. My goal is to be a root canal dentist Perth residents can trust and feel at ease with. 

If you’re experiencing persistent tooth pain or swelling, our caring team at Genesis Dental can help. We keep our patients informed throughout the procedure, numb the area completely, create a calming atmosphere, and provide the best aftercare.

Our experienced technicians use advanced technology combined with a gentle approach to ensure a comfortable experience. Book an appointment today or contact us to learn more.