How to Know If You Need a Root Canal

Root Canal Symptoms That Require Immediate Dental Care

A root canal is a fairly common restorative dental treatment designed to alleviate pain and restore the affected tooth’s function. At Restoration Dental, we’ve completed numerous root canal therapies for our patients at our Mesa, AZ office. The key to timely treatment is understanding the common symptoms of a root canal. By providing our patients with accurate information, we help them make more informed decisions about their oral care, leading to brighter, healthier smiles. Learn more about root canal symptoms and treatment options to get started.

Dentist examining infected tooth for root canal treatment

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a restorative dental treatment used to save a tooth when the soft tissue inside it, known as the pulp, becomes infected or inflamed. An infection occurs when bacteria enter the tooth through deep decay, a crack, repeated dental work, or an injury. During treatment, the infected pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, and the space is sealed to help prevent future infection. Root canal therapy can relieve tooth pain, stop the infection from spreading, and preserve your natural tooth whenever possible.

What Are the Common Root Canal Warning Signs?

A tooth infection won’t go away on its own. Instead, the symptoms will continue to worsen. So, it’s essential that patients can recognize the early warning signs of a tooth infection. We recommend scheduling an appointment to see Dr. Fadi if you’re experiencing any of these issues:  

  • Persistent Tooth Pain: Ongoing tooth pain is one of the most common signs of an infected tooth. The discomfort may feel dull, throbbing, or sharp, and it often becomes worse without professional treatment.
  • Tooth Sensitivity: Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks can indicate that the nerves inside the tooth are irritated or damaged. If the sensitivity lasts after the temperature source is removed, it may be a warning sign of a deeper infection.
  • Pain When Chewing: Pain or pressure when biting down can mean the infection has spread to the surrounding tissue near the tooth root. We recommend that you be evaluated by our dentists as soon as possible.
  • Gum Swelling: Swelling, tenderness, or redness near a specific tooth may indicate an infection below the gumline. In some cases, a small bump or abscess may form on the gums as the body tries to drain the infection.
  • Tooth Discoloration: A tooth that appears gray, dark yellow, or noticeably darker than nearby teeth may have damaged or infected internal tissue. Discoloration can happen when blood flow to the tooth is affected.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

During a root canal, your dentist may take an X-ray image of your tooth to determine the extent of the infection. Next, they’ll apply local anesthetics to numb the surrounding area to reduce pain during the procedure. A hole is drilled into the tooth to allow your dentist to access the infected pulp. The pulp is removed, and the cavity is filled to prevent bacteria from reentering.  

Schedule Your Root Canal Treatment Today

Patients dealing with toothaches and infected teeth turn to Restoration Dental in Mesa, AZ, for root canal therapy. Our compassionate and experienced team of dental professionals is committed to alleviating oral pain by delivering exceptional treatment using the latest dental technology. We aim to create a welcoming environment that puts our patients’ needs and comfort first, so they can receive the dental care they need. If you’re experiencing oral pain, contact us to schedule your next appointment.  

Root Canal Symptoms FAQ

Do I Need a Root Canal Even If I’m Not Experiencing Severe Pain?

Possibly. Pain isn’t the only symptom of an infected tooth. Other signs include tooth discoloration, sensitivity, and swelling. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s essential to schedule an appointment at our office.

How Long Can I Wait After Experiencing Signs of a Tooth Infection to Schedule Treatment?

We recommend patients book their appointment at the first sign of an issue. A tooth infection will only get worse the longer you wait, leading to more severe symptoms.

Does a Cracked Tooth Require a Root Canal?

A cracked tooth may require a root canal if the crack extends deep enough to reach the tooth’s pulp, where the nerves and blood vessels are located.

How Long Does a Rooy Canal Procedure Take?

A root canal procedure typically takes 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the location of the tooth and the severity of the infection.