How Do I Know I Need a Root Canal?

Are you wondering if an achy tooth means you’ll need to have a root canal done? Not necessarily. Pain isn’t always a clear indicator that you need this treatment, and it’s possible to have other signs rather than pain.

Root canals are done to treat infections deep inside teeth, making it important to seek this care if your dentist recommends it. This isn’t something you can self-diagnose.

But how do you know if you should have this procedure done? Let’s take a closer look at how to find out for sure if you need root canal therapy.

Does Tooth Pain Always Mean You Need a Root Canal?

No, toothaches can also be signs of cavities or other issues that require other forms of treatment, like fillings. In some cases, you might have a sore tooth due to a sinus infection or other viruses.

But some specific pain symptoms may mean you have a tooth infection that requires a root canal.

What Kind of Pain Are You Experiencing?

How much pain you’re in and what it feels like can vary, depending on the underlying cause. Let’s explore different ways pain can manifest and when to seek a diagnosis.

Sharp Pain

Does your tooth suddenly hurt when you bite down? This can happen if the pulp inside it is infected, usually requiring root canal therapy. But loose fillings and other problems can cause this kind of pain, too.

Dull Ache

Do your teeth have a mild ache with a sense of pressure? This can occur if you have a sinus infection or grind your teeth.

Ongoing Severe Pain

Does your tooth pain seem constant, even if you take over-the-counter pain relievers? If it’s also severe, this may mean you have an abscessed tooth with an infection that needs prompt treatment, such as a root canal.

Lingering Pain After Cold or Heat Exposure

Does a tingling pain or sharp pain continue for a while after you’ve had something hot or cold to drink or eat? This kind of pain may indicate that you have damage to the pulp in your tooth, increasing the chance that you’ll need endodontic care.

What Are Other Signs to Watch For?

Again, pain is just one possible sign that you may need a root canal. But you should be aware of other symptoms of an infected tooth, too, such as the following.

Gum Symptoms

Infected tooth pulp affects the nerves in your tooth and the surrounding area, including the gums. A few gum signs to watch for include:

• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Small pimples or lesions

Note that swollen, sore gums can also be signs of gum disease. It’s important to have your teeth and gums examined to determine the cause of these symptoms for appropriate care.

Dark Tooth Discoloration

Does the affected tooth look dark rather than yellowish or brownish? This kind of discoloration can happen when the nerves and other tissue inside the pulp have been damaged from infection.

Tooth Damage

Does the tooth have any visible signs of damage, like a crack or hole? Some of these injuries may require other treatment if they’re minor, such as a crown. But if they reach deep inside the affected tooth, you may need a root canal.

What Is the Best Way to Tell If You Need Root Canal Therapy?

Again, you can’t self-diagnose a tooth problem to see if you need this kind of care. It’s best to have a dentist or endodontist examine the tooth and recommend treatment. Your dentist may refer you to an endodontist for a more thorough evaluation and root canal. At Largo Endodontics, we accept most patients by referrals from their dentist.

Why You Shouldn’t Delay Treatment

If you’re nervous about possibly needing a root canal, that’s understandable. But delaying care or going without treatment can lead to more severe issues. If you have any problems with a tooth, you should seek help as soon as you can. This helps treat the underlying issue, preventing it from getting worse.

Visit Our Endodontist for Root Canal Therapy

Are you having any signs that you may need this treatment? Your dentist may refer you to a specialist for care. Our endodontist, Dr. Ernest Rillman, at Largo Endodontics provides root canal treatment to help eliminate the root cause of pain and other symptoms and restore the affected tooth.