Root Canal Symptoms: How Do You Know if You Need a Root Canal?

Do you feel pain from a toothache that doesn’t seem to go away? Does it become too unbearable? These are two of the many signs that may merit a root canal treatment.

Interestingly, there are many myths surrounding root canals. Unfortunately, these myths prompt some patients to avoid root canal treatment. In turn, these root canal symptoms become more serious and lead to further complications. 

Root canal treatment aims to eliminate the bacterial infection in the root canal. This infection is the one that causes pain. Failing to halt the infection may lead to losing the natural tooth.

Thankfully, 97% of root canal procedures end up successfully. This means you will likely get your normal life back after the treatment. 

But what exactly are the key symptoms to watch out for? How do you know if you need a root canal?

Continue reading below for the answers.

Persistent toothache is one of the most common root canal symptoms to watch out for. Pain is your body’s way of saying that something is wrong. In this case, your body is saying there’s a problem with your tooth, particularly its root.

But with pain being one of the main reasons people visit a dentist, it's crucial to determine the nature and cause of the pain. In the case of toothache that may require a root canal procedure, the dentist must determine if bacteria already affected the nerves or blood vessels. 

If the pain is deep and nagging and bothers you all the time, then the dentist may advise a root canal treatment. 

Another key symptom to look out for is gum swelling. This is a clear indication that there is a problem beneath the tooth. Check the area of the toothache and see if that portion of your gums is swelling. 

It may also be tender to the touch. The swelling and tenderness are results of acidic waste products that come from dead pulp tissues. In some cases, an abscess may ooze out of the infected area and cause bad breath.

If you have swelling gums, expect your dentist to probe deeper, as a root canal procedure may be necessary.

Another sign that there is an infection in the pulp of your tooth is discoloration. As the internal tissues of your tooth break down, they can damage the roots. In turn, the damage can give your tooth a grayish-black color.



The dentist will check the color and condition of the teeth. He will perform tests to determine the current condition of the pulp. And in case the pulp dies, a root canal may be in order.

Going back to pain, do you experience a painful bite or chew? Does it persist even after you stop eating? Then this is a possible sign of nerve damage or deep tooth decay. 

Because of the dying pulp, the ligament around the tooth’s root tip becomes super sensitive. As you bite or chew your food, the pressure causes pain in the ligament.

So how do you know if you need a root canal? 

-Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure.

- Prolonged sensitivity (pain) to hot or cold temperatures (after the heat or cold has been removed)

- Discoloration (darkening) of the tooth.

- Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums.

More on tooth sensitivity, a tooth that requires a root canal can also be extra sensitive when it comes to changes in temperature. For example, you may feel pain whenever you eat warm food. 

On the flip side, you may also feel a sharp pain after drinking ice-cold water or a cup of ice cream. If the pain persists even after eating or drinking these cold or hot items, you need to visit your dentist for a thorough check-up.

The pain can be a sign of damage or infection on the nerves and blood vessels in your tooth.

Also, the pain can be a result of a cracked or chipped tooth. Regardless of the reason for the cracking, bacteria can seep through the crack. In turn, bacteria may end up affecting the nerves.

As we mentioned earlier, an abscess can accompany the swelling in your gums. This abscess or gum boil can come out in the form of pus. In turn, it can leave a bad taste in the mouth.

In some cases, the pus can also cause bad breath.

To determine the condition of the abscess, the dentist will perform an x-ray on your tooth. Generally, an abscess will cause a hole in your jawbone. Moreover, you may end up feeling unwell and come down with a fever.



In worse cases, you may notice your face swelling. These are signs that you need root canal surgery.

Addressing These Root Canal Symptoms

Addressing these symptoms require root canal treatment. This, however, requires steady hands and proper equipment from a trusted dentist. 

The root canal procedure starts by numbing the infected area. The dentist will then create a small opening or “canal” in the tooth. This is where he will clean out the soft tissues. 

After cleaning the tooth, the dentist will fill in the opening. This step is similar to filling a cavity. Since there will no longer be blood and nerve supply in the area, the tooth will become brittle.

Thus, the dentist will recommend that the tooth also receives a protective crown. This crown will keep the tooth from breaking.

As for after the procedure, you will experience soreness in the affected area for a few days. Within this period, you should stick to eating soft foods. 



Since anxiety will be high, leading to the procedure, a reputable dental office should keep their patients as comfortable as possible. Some patients require mild sedation before the procedure begins

Experience Topnotch Root Canal Treatment

By understanding the different root canal symptoms, you can prepare yourself much better for a possible root canal treatment. And if you’re looking for a dentist you can trust for the procedure, then there’s nowhere else to go but here.



Connect with us today and tell us more about your toothache. Request an appointment so we can take a closer look at your problem. We perform root canals and other dental treatments for various dental concerns in the Brewster, NJ area.