What are the Signs That You Need a Root Canal?

Before jumping into the signs, let’s start with the basics: what exactly is a root canal? Spoiler alert—it’s not a canal that runs through your roots, and it’s definitely not as dreadful as some make it out to be.

A root canal is a dental procedure that involves removing the infected or damaged pulp (the soft tissue inside your tooth), cleaning out the canals, and sealing the tooth to prevent future infection. It’s typically recommended when a tooth's pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, cracks, or other trauma. While it might sound intimidating, a root canal is designed to save your tooth from extraction and relieve your pain.



Now, on to the million-dollar question: how do you know if you need one?

Tooth pain is never fun, but if you’ve noticed a specific tooth screaming for attention day in and day out, it could be your tooth's way of saying, “I need help!” Here’s the deal: not all toothaches mean you need a root canal, but consistent, severe pain that doesn’t go away after a few days could be a sign of infection or damage inside the tooth.

Common types of pain that may signal a root canal:

• Throbbing pain: Does it feel like your tooth has its own heartbeat? Constant pulsing pain might mean the nerve is irritated.
• Sensitivity to hot or cold: If you can’t enjoy a scoop of ice cream or a hot coffee without wincing in pain, it could indicate a deeper issue in your tooth's pulp.
• Pressure pain: Feeling discomfort when chewing or applying pressure on the tooth? That’s another red flag!

Humorously enough, your toothache can be like that one friend who texts you nonstop—they need attention, and they need it now! If your tooth won’t stop "texting" you, it’s time to listen.

We tend to associate tooth pain with the need for a root canal, but swollen gums can also be an important clue. The soft tissue around your teeth—aka your gums—will sometimes puff up or feel tender when there's an infection brewing below the surface.

Signs of gum swelling that may indicate a root canal:

• Swelling around one tooth: Localized swelling near a specific tooth could be a sign that something is going on deep inside.
• A small pimple-like bump: If you notice a little bump or boil (known as a dental abscess) on your gums, it could be filled with pus, signaling an infection that might require root canal treatment.
• Tenderness or bleeding: Swollen gums that hurt to the touch or bleed easily might be a sign that the tooth underneath is in trouble.

Swollen gums can sometimes be dismissed as just a minor irritation, but if you notice swelling that sticks around, it's worth getting checked out. A good rule of thumb? If your gums look like they’re gearing up for a pillow fight (puffy), it’s time to pay attention!

A less obvious sign that you might need a root canal is when your tooth starts to change color. Healthy teeth are typically a pearly white or slightly yellow hue, but a tooth in distress can darken due to dying tissue or blood supply loss.

Common causes of tooth discoloration that may require a root canal:

• Trauma to the tooth: A hit to the tooth can damage the inner pulp, causing the tooth to turn gray or black over time.
• Deep decay: Untreated cavities can lead to the death of the tooth’s nerve, resulting in a darker shade.
• Old dental work: Sometimes, an older filling or crown can fail, leading to discoloration as the pulp becomes infected.

If your tooth looks like it’s gone through its own version of a goth phase, turning dark or grey, it might be a sign of internal damage that only a root canal can fix.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait until the problem worsens. Our team at Meyer Family Dental is here to help with professional root canal procedures to save your tooth and eliminate pain. With years of experience serving West Haven, UT, and the surrounding areas, we understand that dental issues can be stressful, but we make the process as comfortable as possible for our patients.

From root canals to pediatric dentistry, tooth extractions, wisdom tooth removal, fillings, and more, our friendly and skilled team will take care of all your dental needs. Call us today at 801-731-5600 to schedule a consultation and get your smile back on track!